Wyoming Conversation Focuses on Economic Change
February 24 in Pinedale, “A Shifting Economy”
by Wyoming Council for the Humanities
February 15, 2005
The statewide "A Wyoming Conversation" continues this month in Pinedale with a February 24 public forum on "A Shifting Economy."
The general public is invited to discuss how to balance the conflicting demands of Wyoming’s major industries: energy, agriculture and tourism. The meeting, sponsored by the Wyoming Council for the Humanities, begins at 7 p.m. at the Rendezvous Pointe Senior Center.
Mary Lynn Worl will moderate the discussion, which also focuses on visions for Wyoming’s economic future. Laurie Latta will host the meeting on behalf of the humanities council. The evening will begin with a short video interviewing local residents on economic change in the Pinedale area.
As part of "A Wyoming Conversation," an interview introducing the topic of "A Shifting Economy" will air on Wyoming Public Radio at 6:30 p.m., February 23. Tucker Fagan of the Wyoming Business Council and Senator John Hines, a Gillette area rancher, are the featured guests.
Like many western states, Wyoming built its identity as well as its early economy around farming and ranching. The shift in recent decades to an energy and tourism-based economy has created challenges, as the state’s major industries increasingly find themselves in conflict over how to manage Wyoming’s natural resources. Another pressing issue is Wyoming’s lack of economic diversification and the resulting scarcity of jobs for young adults.
The Wyoming Council for the Humanities developed "A Wyoming Conversation" to offer residents the chance to talk face to face about issues critical to the state’s identity and future. Each month, a public radio broadcast on a special topic is followed by simultaneous local "conversations" in selected towns around the state. Last month, the topic of "Newcomers and Wyomingites" was discussed in Pinedale.
In addition to Pinedale, discussions on "A Shifting Economy" will take place at 7 p.m. February 24 at the Branch Library, Powell; the Yoder Community Center near Torrington; Old Depot, Rawlins; and the Nicolaysen Museum, Casper.
"A Wyoming Conversation" is funded through the "We the People" initiative of the National Endowment for the Humanities. State partners include Wyoming Public Radio, Wyoming Public Television, the Wyoming Community Foundation and the University of Wyoming American Studies Program, with additional funding from the Thursday Roundtable of the Community Foundation of Jackson Hole.
For a complete schedule of events, contact the Wyoming Council for the Humanities at (307) 721-9243. The schedule is subject to change. Visit www.uwyo.edu/wch for updated listings. To participate in the Conversation via email, write to wych@uwyo.edu.
A WYOMING CONVERSATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
WYOMING PUBLIC RADIO broadcasts, 6:30 p.m.
February 23: A Shifting Economy
March 23: Myths and Realities of the Wyoming Family
April 20: Balancing Preservation and Development
May 18: A More Diverse Wyoming
June 1: Wyoming’s Changing Identity
LOCAL CONVERSATIONS, 7 p.m.
February 24 (Economy): Casper, Powell, Rawlins, Pinedale, Torrington.
March 24 (Family): Casper, Cheyenne, Ethete, Fort Washakie, Gillette.
April 21 (Preservation/Development): Cheyenne, Ethete, Evanston, Fort Washakie, Gillette, Jackson, Pinedale.
May 19 (Diversity): Ethete, Evanston, Ft. Washakie, Jackson, Powell, Rawlins, Torrington.
June 2 (Identity): Casper, Cheyenne, Rawlins, Torrington.
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