The telecommunications partners successfully carried out the Rocky Mountain region’s first trial of a 100 gigabit per second optical connection in a 420-mile demonstration through rural Wyoming, from Jackson to Sheridan – proving that it could be as fast as most metropolitan counterparts. Click here to see the full article.

The Wyoming Office of Tourism is accepting nominations for the 3rd Annual Statewide “REACH” Awards.

There are four nomination categories for REACH Awards:

   Customer Service Organization of the Year
   Customer Service Employee of the Year
   Industry Partner of the Year
   Destination or Attraction of the Year

As part of National Travel and Tourism Week in Wyoming, the Wyoming Office of Tourism is honored to present the 3rd annual “REACH” Awards.

These awards for Rare and Exceptional Achievement for Customer Service and Hospitality recognize business and individual contributions to the travel and tourism industry. These businesses and individuals have demonstrated outstanding service in the tourism and hospitality industry and have enhanced Wyoming’s reputation as a first-class visitor destination. The Wyoming Office of Tourism is requesting that you nominate hospitality and tourism industry colleagues who show commitment to providing outstanding service to Wyoming visitors. From this pool of nominations, one employee, business or destination will be selected in each category as the recipient of the “REACH” Award.

Instructions for Nominating an Individual or Organization

Nominations will be accepted four categories: Customer Service Employee of the Year, Customer Service Organization of the Year, Industry Partner of the Year, and Destination/Attraction of the Year. All nominations must include a letter of nomination from the sponsoring individual or organization, as well as relevant supporting documents. All nominations must be received by Tuesday, April 2, 2013.

Customer Service Employee of the Year (2012)
     For any employee in the hospitality and tourism industry who has demonstrated outstanding contributions in customer service. For example, a guest sent in a letter about the exceptional service they received, or a back of the house employee went beyond regular job duties to assist a customer.
     Required Information: In the letter of nomination, please include: the category for which you are nominating, the employee’s name, the employer, and a thorough description of the accomplishments and reasoning for recognition. Examples of supporting documents may include letters from guests, certificates of recognition from the organization, or letters of support from co-workers.

Customer Service Organization of the Year (2012)
     For any organization in the hospitality and tourism industry who has demonstrated an exceptional contribution to creating a culture of customer service within the organization. For example, a business who has implemented a customer service program, or who continually recognizes the importance of customer service and creating that culture among their employees. 
     Required Information: In the letter of nomination, please include: the category for which you are nominating, the name of the organization, the owner/manager, and a thorough description of the accomplishments and reasoning for recognition. Examples of supporting documents may include letters from guests, certificates of completion for customer service related training, or letters of recommendation from outside organizations that can attest to the culture of service.

Industry Partner of the Year (2012)
     For any state, federal or tribal agency partner who has demonstrated outstanding support and advocacy for the hospitality and tourism industry. For example, an industry partner who has actively worked with tourism and legislative leadership to accomplish a project or activity that enhances the tourism industry. This nomination may be for an individual, an agency or an organization. 
     Required Information: In the letter of nomination, please include: the category for which you are nominating, the name of the organization/agency/individual, and a thorough description of the accomplishments and reasoning for recognition. Please include at least three additional letters of support.

Destination or Attraction of the Year (2012)
     For any local community, destination or araction that has demonstrated an exceptional effort and commitment towards tourism and hospitality development. For example, a destination or attraction that has completed a tourism related project/plan to make their community more visitor friendly or contribute to the tourism infrastructure.
     Required Information: In the letter of nomination, please include: the category for which you are nominating, the name of the community/destination/attraction, the name of that entity’s leader/manager, and a thorough description of the accomplishments and reasoning for recognition. Please include at least three additional letters of support.

All nominations must be submitted by April 2, 2013.

Please submit nomination forms to:

Shannon Stanfill, Visitor Services Manager
Wyoming Office of Tourism
email: shannon.stanfill@wyo.gov
fax: 307-777-2839
5611 High Plains Road
Cheyenne, WY 82007

Statewide REACH Awardees will be invited to the REACH Awards Luncheon. This year the REACH Awards will be held as part of the National Travel and Tourism Week celebration. The Awards ceremony will be May 7, 2013 in Wind River County at the Wind River Casino. Awardees will be notified by mid-April and will be offered a travel reimbursement of up to $100 to attend the event.

The place was bustling when we dropped by last Saturday afternoon. Some 130 kids had been there in the morning, for the usual Saturday morning youth bowling league. Then, in the afternoon, almost all of the 20 lanes were filled with men competing in the Men’s City Tournament happening that day. But down at the end, in the first three lanes, there were kids having a birthday party with their own brand of bowling fun.

As co-owner Mike Hardesty pointed out, bowling is a sport for all ages. From the preschoolers, who push the bowl to roll down the lane (with the bumper guards raised on the sides of the lane) … to the handful of “regulars” who are still playing every week at age 90-plus.

Hundreds of Sheridan County residents are bowling at Cloud Peak Lanes every week – most of them on teams in the youth league or one of the seven men’s, women’s, mixed, or senior leagues. Seven days a week. There are usually 3-5 children’s birthday parties every weekend too, and lanes set aside for open bowling for individuals or small groups who just drop in to play.

Over the next two weeks we’ll be covering the history, ownership, and special events at Cloud Peak Lanes. In the meantime, how long has it been since you’ve gone bowling??It’s great physical exercise, a great family activity, and a great idea for a date … and it’s FUN. You can even still join a league that might have some mid-year openings.

You know where they’re located – set back from the street at 1520 Coffeen Ave. The phone number is 672-7459. Check out the website too – www.cloudpeaklanes.com.

History (February 19, 2013)

Last week we provided a glimpse of the activity level happening at the bowling alley. This week we’ll step back and take a look at its history in the Sheridan County community.

Cloud Peak Lanes, with 12 bowling lanes, was built at its current location in 1958 or 1959, by Wes Christianson and Olive Davenport, farmers out of the Dakotas. At the time, and for years after, Cloud Peak Lanes (and for a while another bowling alley, Sheridan Recreation, behind what is now Bank of the West), the drive-in movie theater, the roller skating rink, and the YMCA were the recreation hubs of Sheridan, especially for the kids.

After several years, Wes and Olive sold the bowling alley to Scott Lockens, who later turned the business over to his daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Attila (“Bert”) Bertalan, who operated it for many years. It was in the 1960s that Bert expanded the building and added eight more lanes, to the current 20 lanes today.

Then Bert died in January 2007 and Linda either needed to find a new owner or close the business. That’s when the Hardesty brothers appeared. Jim and Mike Hardesty had grown up in the Sheridan area, at the family ranch in the Wyarno area where Jim still lives. Jim and wife Candy and Mike and wife Kyla wanted to keep bowling alive in Sheridan and purchased Cloud Peak Lanes in Summer 2007 .. and continue to operate it today.

Next week we’ll be looking at some of the special events at Cloud Peak Lanes, and especially the events that bring bowlers to Sheridan from all over the state of Wyoming.

We also give special acknowledgement to Dr. Oscar Rojo of Sheridan, who provided much of this history. Oscar was bowling at Cloud Peak Lanes when it first opened in the late 1950s and is still, in his 90s, bowling there two to three times a week. He must like it.

Special Events (February 26, 2013)

Today we’ll look at some of the special events happening at the bowling alley.

First and foremost are the bowling leagues, which start in late August (when the bowling alley re-opens after a summer hiatus) and continue until May. There are seven adult leagues, as well as a youth league with kids ranging from age 4 to age 18 who play on Saturday mornings. There’s also a traveling youth group (about 32 youth) who compete with a traveling youth team in Gillette – one month they play in Gillette, the next month they play in Sheridan. Want to join a league mid-year? Give them a call – there are occasional openings.

Last year Cloud Peak Lanes hosted the Women’s State Competition, with 170 4-person teams playing in Sheridan over four weekends. The year before, the Men’s State Competition was here, and Sheridan will have Men’s State again this year – 200 4-person teams – coming and going for five weekends in late April and early May! Then June will bring the Wyoming Bowling Proprietors Association “High 5″ tournament, where bowling alley owners in Wyoming send their 5 men and 5 women bowlers with the highest averages to the statewide “high 5″ tournament here in Sheridan. Last fall Cloud Peak Lanes hosted a special event on behalf of the Wounded Warrior program, with NFL Quarterback Jim McMahon as a special guest; they’re hoping to get him here again sometime soon.

And there are more events happening on a regular basis. Certainly birthday parties (with several choices of party packages). Jackpot Bowling every other Saturday, with colored pins and a jackpot prize. Every Sunday, 12 noon to close, is Family Fun Day, where kids age 9 and under are free!

Then while you’re there, there are plenty of food choices, a full bar, video game area, and a pro shop. Drop by and renew your love of bowling! Find Cloud Peak Lanes at 1520 Coffeen Ave., (307) 672-7459, www.cloudpeaklanes.com.

The Black Tooth Brewing Company opened for business in Historic Downtown Sheridan on November 26, 2010, in conjunction with the Christmas Stroll event.

Tim Barnes, Travis Zeilstra, and Dr. Michael Strahan set out to provide Sheridan with a unique atmosphere to enjoy handcrafted beer, with the hope that the community would embrace their products and be proud to call Black Tooth Brewing Company “our brewery.” Winning the Business of the Year award after only two years in business is a big step in that reality.

Expansion happened early and often at Black Tooth, starting with the partnership with Sheridan business icon Big Horn Beverage through the signing of a distribution agreement in April 2011. Black Tooth began to distribute four different beers into the five counties that make up NE Wyoming. This required additional infrastructure to be installed, with the first two fermentation vessels arriving in July 2011. This was followed by five additional vessels in November 2012, and a second agreement for further distribution into Natrona and Converse counties through Casper Beverage. But expansion has only just begun, with the coming introduction of Black Tooth Beers in Aluminum Cans projected for Summer 2013.

The brewery enters a number of national and international competitions throughout the year and has been awarded 15 medals at events such as the World Beer Cup, The Great American Beer Festival, The North American Beer Awards, and the US Open. This has been highlighted by Gold Medals for Wagon Box Wheat at both the World Beer Cup and The Great American Beer Festival, the two largest beer competitions in the world! Black Tooth was also awarded 5th Best Brewery Overall at the US Open in 2012. It’s equally important to show well regionally, and this is where Black Tooth has excelled – winning the People’s Choice Award at beer festivals in Casper, Jackson Hole, Lander and Sheridan in 2012.

Great beer hasn’t been Black Tooth’s only offering. It has been a goal since their inception to become a visible contributor to the Sheridan community. This has been accomplished largely through the use of The Timberline Room at the brewery. This space has been made available for private parties, public meetings, and numerous non-profit fundraising activities – and weddings, retirement parties, annual meetings, training seminars, and even the occasional memorial service.

The Black Tooth Brewing Company is extremely proud to be Sheridan’s Local Brewery, and WE are proud to have them in our community.

312 Broadway, Sheridan
(307) 675-2337
www.blacktoothbrewingcompany.com

Each week in January we have been featuring one of our 2012 Chamber Business Award winners. Today our spotlight is on Jim Schellinger (of Sheridan Media), who won the “2012 Spirit of Sheridan” award. This award category honors a Chamber member business or person who volunteers countless hours for the betterment of the Chamber and the community.

Jim Schellinger, sales manager at Sheridan Media, has been involved in almost all aspects of Sheridan County since he became part of our community in 1989. He is currently on the board of both the Sheridan County Chamber and Sheridan Travel & Tourism and is one of our Chamber Ambassadors. He serves on the new Sheridan Channel 22 committee, keeps very busy with the Elks, and is an active member of many of our special events committees. Jim also served as City Councilman and on the Sheridan Area Water Board from 1995 to 2002. He’s always there, ready to get involved and to help.

Jim also credits the community spirit at Sheridan Media. “At Sheridan Media we have always believed in the Community Partner concept, even before it was actually recognized as such.” [Sheridan Media is in its 4th year as one of the Chamber's Community Partners.] “Our employee/owners are encouraged to participate on non-profit boards and in civic organizations and with other groups that make positive differences in our everyday lives.”

Jim, we thank you!

We’re pleased to announce the Chamber Community Partners for 2013.

Our 2013 Platinum Community Partners:

Cloud Peak Energy (Spring Creek Mine)
Decker Coal Company
First Federal Savings Bank
First Interstate Bank
Ptolemy Data Systems
Sheridan Media

Our 2013 Gold Community Partners:

Advanced Communications Technology (ACT)
RadioShack
Sheridan College
Sheridan Memorial Hospital & Foundation
Sheridan VA Medical Center
Wyolution

Thank you to these Community Partners, on behalf of all of us! We’ll also be hearing more from them….

Local business leaders gathered at the Black Tooth Brewing Company Thursday to revel in the success story of Vacutech and discuss ways in which the business community might continue to develop in Sheridan.

The investor update was hosted by economic development group Forward Sheridan and attended by members of both the public and private sectors.

A consortium of local investors, FS acts on behalf of the Sheridan business community by serving as a collective voice in addition to providing some of the more practical tools necessary for start-ups and newly relocated companies.

“This is a team sport,” said FS chairman Anthony Spiegelberg. “And we’re a player in that.”

Vacutech CEO John Tucker was asked to speak at the event since his company benefited greatly from the services provided by FS. A manufacturer of high-powered vacuum equipment, the business relocated to Sheridan from Colorado after Forward Sheridan officials convinced company leaders the city could be a beneficial base of operations.

Tucker told the audience that after having lived in cities and towns across the country, it was a pleasure to find an atmosphere as welcoming as Sheridan.

“This has been a lifelong journey trying to get here,” he said.

Vacutech saw 26 percent growth in 2012 and even more the year before that. Since opening their facility at the Wrench Ranch Business Park late in 2011, the company has hired 50 Sheridan residents – about 25 more than owners expected – and Tucker said he expects that growth to continue.

“We’ve had an opportunity to find some of the finest people (in Sheridan),” he said. “Everything we’ve needed, we’ve found here.”

Tucker said he predicts continued growth for Sheridan companies thanks to a community of business leaders and elected officials that places a premium on economic development.

“After the experience we’ve had so far here in Sheridan, we’re not afraid to do anything,” he said. “We’re going to continue to grow as we’ve done in the past.”

Tucker recently founded a second Sheridan business that specializes in car-wash machinery. Vacutech is also set to break ground on a new facility next to their current building later this year.

If all goes according to plan, Tucker said he wouldn’t be surprised to have more than 10 employees within the next two years.

“We see an opportunity in our country right now,” he said. “I have no question we’re going to make it.”

Following Tucker’s address, FS executive director Jay Stender updated investors on the organization’s recent efforts to study potential railroad re-routes, develop solutions to improve the quality of commercial air service to the area and improve local access to broadband Internet.

Across the U.S., approximately 11% of McDonald’s restaurants are owned by McDonald’s Corporation, while approximately 89% are owned by independent owners, the franchisees.

The restaurants in Sheridan are locally owned and operated by Larry Storo, Sr., who started as crew in 1969. He worked his way up through the various positions within McDonald’s and in 1986 he purchased his first restaurant. Over the past 26 years, Larry and his team have supported the local community in various ways.

Larry’s first restaurant located on North Main was recently rebuilt and the location on Coffeen was built 3 years ago. He knows from personal experience that McDonald’s can provide people with various career opportunities. 75% of McDonald’s Restaurant Managers started as crew, which is very evident in his business. Maryann Kaminsky is the Restaurant Manager at North Main. She started as crew with Larry and has been managing for over 14 years. Chris Dooley, the Restaurant Manager at Coffeen, has been with the company for over 20 years. McDonald’s was Chris’s first job at the age of 15. As part of the store manager training, they attend Hamburger University to receive a degree in Hamburgerology. In fact, McDonald’s management training program is the only recognized quick service training program by the American Council on Education (ACE). The managers can earn up to 50 college credits toward a 2- or 4-year degree.

McDonald’s and Larry Storo recognize that the staff makes outstanding contributions in our restaurants and deliver the Brand promise to their customers each and every day. Many of his staff have worked for him for over 10 years. For example, one employee has been at North Main even longer than Larry – Judy Kinter has worked with Larry for 26 years, but has actually been with McDonald’s locally for 32 years. Larry Storo appreciates all the work his current and past employees have done over the years to satisfy all of their customers and thanks the Sheridan community for their continued support.

The “2012 Business Person of the Year” is Steve Rucki, of Rucki, Marshall, Newbrough, CPAs, P.C. – who, based on all the nominations we received, could easily be named Boss of the Year as well (if we had that award). Today, though, let’s look at the business that he and partners have created in our community.

The firm’s location at 109 S. Main St. has been home to a public accounting business ever since the mid-1950s – originally started by John Croft and Gordon McCallister over 50 years ago. In the early 1970s, the firm was transferred to Curt Christensen, who owned the business until 1989.

Steve Rucki joined the firm as a staff accountant in November 1986 and became a partner with Curt Christensen 2 years later, on January 1, 1989. Curt passed away in 1995, from complications from diabetes. Greg Marshall joined the firm in 1998 and became a partner in 2000. (Steve and Greg have a relationship that goes back to 1st grade, when they attended Holy Name School together, and graduated from Sheridan High School together in 1982.) Jamie Newbrough joined the firm in 2004 and became a partner a year ago, in 2012.

Rucki, Marshall, Newbrough currently has 10 employees, most of whom were born and raised in the Sheridan area. And the firm still has clients that started with either John Croft or Gordon McCallister back in the late 1950s.

The firm’s emphasis is on individual, corporate, partnership, fiduciary and estate taxation. In addition, the firm provides a considerable amount of auditing, with an emphasis in HUD and Department of Agriculture low-income housing audits.

Steve is married to Pam Rucki, director of CASA in Gillette, has two children, enjoys most spectator sports, and is active in various foundations and nonprofit organizations. Greg is married to Valori Marshall and has 5 children and 11 grandchildren. Greg and Valori commute to GlenAllen, Alaska during the summer months and early fall, where they own and operate a lodge. Jamie Newbrough and husband David are parents of one, soon to be two. She enjoys music and is an accomplished violinist in her very limited spare time.

They are proud to be a part of the Sheridan community, and we are proud to have them. Rucki, Marshall, Newbrough CPAs P.C., 109 S. Main St., (307) 674-6609.

Dixie Johnson
Executive Director
Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce

This article was published on the “Community Voice” page
of The Sheridan Press, December 22, 2012.

Now, at year end, we here at the Sheridan County Chamber are especially celebrating the Sheridan County business community – for their vitality, creativity, community support, and examples of excellence.

In last week’s column, Jay Stender of Forward Sheridan used an example of one community success (in that case, economic development in Austin, TX) being attributed to having “deeply caring, highly engaged business, political, and philanthropic leaders with principles, policies, beliefs and values about human nature that work.” That surely applies to the best of Sheridan County as well.

Our businesses are a vital part of our quality of life. Most certainly, they provide the goods and services that we need and want. And they provide jobs. But they’re also good employers, generous supporters of the many worthy causes in our community, and active participants in making Sheridan County a great place to work, live, and play for everyone. We can easily point to the membership of Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce as just one example, where over 560 of our local businesses and organizations are making a financial investment and giving their time to work together for the prosperity of our community.

Each year, at the Chamber’s monthly luncheon in December, we put the spotlight on a few of those businesses and business leaders as we announce the recipients of the Chamber Business Awards of the Year, chosen from dozens of nominations submitted by our Chamber members. This year’s winners, as always, are among the best examples of contribution to our community.

2012 BUSINESS OF THE YEAR, “honoring a Chamber member business that serves the Sheridan County area in the finest way possible. A business that takes pride in their work by offering phenomenal customer service and a positive atmosphere.” This year’s recipient is Black Tooth Brewing Company. Black Tooth opened only two years ago, and is already making a difference. Its award-winning brews are making Sheridan known in new circles across the country. The brewery is an active participant in the 3rd Thursday Street Festivals and partnered with the Chamber this past September to bring the first annual Brewfest to Sheridan, which drew thousands of residents and visitors alike. And they provide a facility now used for many gatherings large and small, including a special Non-Profit Tuesdays every week to support the community.

2012 BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR, “honoring a Chamber member business person who makes a substantial contribution to the Sheridan County area.” This year’s recipient is Steve Rucki. Steve, managing owner of Rucki, Marshall, Newbrough CPAs PC, might also be called “Employer of the Year,” in that his entire staff came out in support of his nomination. “He never asks anything of anyone that he wouldn’t do himself.” “He has the right perspective on priorities, always putting family first.” “There is no doubt how much he genuinely cares for you.” He donates his time, to the Chamber, the Sheridan College Foundation, and Sheridan on Skates, just to name a few.

2012 SPIRIT OF SHERIDAN, “honoring a Chamber member business or person who volunteers countless hours for the betterment of the Chamber and the community.” This year’s recipient is Jim Schellinger. Jim, sales manager at Sheridan Media, has been involved in almost all aspects of Sheridan County over the last several decades and is currently a Chamber Ambassador, Chamber and Sheridan Travel and Tourism board member, on the new Sheridan Channel 22 committee, keeping busy with the Elks, and an active member of many of our special events committees. He’s always there, ready to help.

2012 STRENGTH OF SHERIDAN, “honoring the Chamber member business that has been in business and supporting our Chamber and community for 20+ years.” This year’s recipient is McDonald’s and the Storo family. McDonald’s in Sheridan has long been an outstanding employer and contributor to the community. One of their most notable actions, though, occurred this year when the North Main McDonald’s was closed for several months during the rebuilding. The Storos helped the employees fill volunteer needs at various organizations in Sheridan while keeping them on McDonald’s payroll. Like all of our best employers, the McDonald’s and the Storos care about their employees.

We applaud the contributions of these businesses and persons, as well as others like them. They represent our business community at its best. The next time you see any one of our businesses “at its best,” we encourage you to give those employees a big thank you too.

In return, we know that the businesses want us to express their appreciation to all you as individuals and customers as well. It’s exciting how you have taken “Shop Local” to heart! We hear every day from residents who are very intentional about doing their buying right here in Sheridan County. Even the sales of our Chamber Bucks gift certificates – redeemable only at our local businesses – are at an all time high.

I’m reminded constantly of one of my favorite themes, “We’re all in this together.” Thank you, everyone!