Forward Sheridan Background

Forward Sheridan, Inc. is the economic development organization in Sheridan County,
Wyoming.

2.1 Organizational History

In December 2002, seeing the need to bring more resources to bear in support of
economic development, community leaders created the Sheridan Area Development
Alliance (SADA) from a committee of the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce. In
January 2005, SADA embarked upon a formal 4-year economic development
fundraising effort entitled Forward Sheridan. SADA's name was formally changed to
Forward Sheridan in December 2005, and a 17-member Board of Directors was seated
from the Investor base.

2.2 Funding

Forward Sheridan is funded by an Investor base with 68% of the funding coming from
local business investment and 32% coming from City and County investment.

2.3 Organizational Vision

Through forward-looking leadership, strong local partnerships, and an effective
community and economic development plan, Forward Sheridan is the "go-to"
organization for businesses needing assistance in start-up, expansion, and retention;
and for new business and family recruitment.

This vision is reflected in the goals and priorities of action set out in the EDSP. The Plan
provides the mechanism to align economic development with the community's visions
and values.

2.4 Strategic Plan Genesis

In August 2006, the Forward Sheridan Board established a one-year plan that included:

• Working with partners in the community to address issues such as workforce shortage, childcare, and workforce housing shortages
• Developing an aggressive business retention and expansion effort with local business
• Conducting a Target Industry Study (completed in May 2007) to direct business attraction efforts
• Developing an Economic Development Strategic Plan for Sheridan County