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irrus Sky echnology Park CT OPTIMISM in technology-sector growth is especially strong in cloud-computing right now. INTRODUCING a partnership of the City of Laramie and the Laramie Economic Development Corporation T he City of Laramie, in partnership with the Laramie Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), is developing plans for a technology park on the northern boundary of the City between 15th and 30th Streets. Th is project is in response to the identifi cation of characteristics in the area that are attractive to the rapidly growing “cloud computing” industry that caused Verizon to identify Laramie as an ideal data-center location. T he City and LEDC recognize the opportunity to attract a company such as Microsoft or Verizon to Laramie will be limited and we must move forward quickly. Concept plans, a business plan, and the grant application have been submitted to the State of Wyoming Business Council. S uccessful grant funding would then become available in January 2013 for construction of water, sewer, streets, and a data-line conduit. A “development ready” site for companies will provide Laramie with the additional competitive edge necessary to become the technology capital of Wyoming. Optimism in technology-sector growth is strong in cloud computing. Wyoming Governor Mead proclaimed his desire to attract such projects to our state. “Th e Cloud” has the ability to usher in a new economy for Wyoming, which has traditionally fed on energy and agriculture. Laramie Mayor Scott Mullner adds, “Th e Laramie Comprehensive Plan shows us that our citizens want higher paying, clean-technology industries— and this business park will cater specifi cally to that sector.” The Cirrus Sky Technology Park will feature open space and a bike trail along “a ridgeline with a fantastic view,” says Joe Vitale, Laramie City Council liaison to the LEDC. A Laramie Economic Development Corporation study documents existing technology businesses are expected to add an additional 140 jobs to our local economy in the next decade. “Having a place for (technology- based businesses) to expand with access to fi ber-optic connectivity and reliable, consistent power is critical to their growth,” says LEDC CEO Gaye Stockman. “Th e Cirrus Sky Technology Park provides opportunities that currently do not exist for growth in Laramie’s high-tech sector.” The technology sector is experiencing unprecedented growth, with good paying jobs. Capitalizing on local assets—such as the University of Wyoming, a highly educated workforce, good power availability, and a cool climate—will establish this clean- technology industry in Laramie. ---PAGE BREAK--- C ity staff and elected officials know the value of being proactive in attracting business growth to diversify our economy—locally, state-wide, and regionally. It’s essential we work as a team to accomplish this project’s magnitude. A detailed database tracks the needs of all clients who have contacted LEDC. Microsoft specifically noted one of the reasons they did not select Laramie was we did not have a shovel-ready site. The key value of the site is in the (Western Area Power Association) substation north of Laramie, with four sources of redundant power. —LEDC CEO Gaye Stockman Laramie is a growing technol- ogy hub with more than 60 technol- ogy-oriented busi- nesses, employing almost 500 people at an average wage of $65,000 per annum. Cirrus Sky Technology Park (CSTP) will allow the area technology businesses to continue to grow, improving job avail- ability and wages for Laramie area residents. Capitalizing on the synergy created by University of Wyoming, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, and the City of Laramie partnerships will create a shovel-ready technology park. Readily-available power sources in the area from both the Western Area Power Authority and Rocky Mountain Power substations, assures CSTP power reliability. Preserving open space and creating trail-connectivity along the Coughlin property ridgeline is a priority. A live-work-play environment will thrive as the CSTP develops with more technology-based businesses. Want More Information? Contact LEDC at 742-2212 or the City of Laramie at 721-5226