Steenbergen: Local Oil Industry Growing

Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Dale Steenbergen says the oil industry and related service companies are making a big contribution to the Laramie County economy.

Steenbergen notes the Stream-Flo Company opened a branch in west Cheyenne recently, and says he's also had conversations with companies including Anadarko Petroleum and EOG Resources about the possibility of expanding their operations in Laramie County.

Steenbergen says overall the oil industry has added about 1200 jobs in Laramie County, and may add more in the future. He says in general the local economy is doing well, with a declining jobless rate and overall growth.

But Steenbergen adds there are problems as well, including the local poverty rate and the gender gap between what men and women earn. He says the chamber is working to help address those issues, adding he thinks job training and education are part of the solution.