FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
August 20, 2007

For more information contact:
Tom Lacock, Senior Marketing and Public Relations Specialist
Wyoming Business Council
Phone: 307.777.2834
Cell: 307.631.0958

Avery named Business and Industry Division Director

CHEYENNE - The Wyoming Business Council today announced that Ben Avery was named the Director of the Business and Industry Division.

Avery will start his new position on Sept. 1. taking over for Mark Willis, who was promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the Business Council on July 20.

The Business and Industry Division oversees business recruitment as well as some marketing programs, business permitting consultation and the loan portfolio program.

"I am very excited to accept the challenge and look forward to building upon the foundation and successes established by my predecessors, Mark Willis and Den Costantino," said Avery. "They provided training, guidance and direction that have prepared me for the expanded responsibilities ahead."

As Business and Industry Director, Avery will work with council staff, local economic development directors and other partners in efforts to diversify and strengthen the economy's of communities throughout the state.

"There is a strong network of in-state partners as well as regional and national marketing in place," Avery said. "The Business and Industry staff is well trained and committed to support the efforts of our Regional Directors, other Council Divisions and local communities."

Avery is no stranger to the Business Council having joined the agency Feb. 15, 2001 as the Portfolio and Loan Program Manager - a position in which he presently sits. This position is responsible for developing procedures and relationships with Wyoming bankers and bond underwriters to market and promote financial tools facilitating expansion, retention and recruitment of businesses for Wyoming.

“When you have a really great team working, it really makes sense to promote from within,“ said Willis. “As the former B&I Director, it makes you feel good when you replace yourself with someone who has the potential to do a better job than you did.”

Prior to joining the Business Council, Avery worked in the banking industry in Wyoming and Colorado for over 22 years. Born in Lander, he is a fourth generation Wyoming native. He has a Bachelors of Science degree in economics from the University of Wyoming and graduated from the Colorado School of Banking in 1983. In 2003, Avery was recognized by the Small Business Administration as Wyoming and Region VIII Small Business Advocate of the Year.

The Wyoming Business Council will solicit applications for the Portfolio and Loan Program Manager starting today. The job description may be found on www.wyomingbusiness.org/about/employment_opportunities.aspx.

The mission of the Wyoming Business Council is to facilitate the economic growth of Wyoming. For more information, please visit the Web site at www.wyomingbusiness.org.

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