Posts by Jennifer Thoma
Purpose-Driven Entrepreneurship: Why Doing Good Is Good for Business
Customers today are looking for more than products — they’re looking for values.Whether it’s sustainability, local heritage, or simply treating people well, businesses that stand for something are quickly becoming customer favorites in small towns across the country. In Cody, where our identity is woven from Western grit, community spirit, and a deep sense of…
Read MoreExperience-Driven Retail: Turning Shopping Into a Story in Cody
When customers walk into your store, they’re not just buying — they’re feeling.In small towns like Cody, that emotional connection is what keeps people coming back long after the vacation ends or the busy season fades. Across the country, experience-driven retail is transforming how small businesses succeed. It’s not about competing with big-box stores or…
Read MoreRemote-Work Readiness: Turning Cody Into a ‘Work-From-Anywhere’ Destination
A laptop, a strong Wi-Fi connection, and a good cup of coffee — for many professionals today, that’s all it takes to get to work.Across the country, remote work is changing where people live, how they spend money, and what communities thrive. And here’s the exciting part: that “anywhere” can be Cody. Why Remote Work…
Read MoreLocal-First E-Commerce: The Future of Shopping Small in Cody
In Cody, we take pride in knowing our shop owners by name, waving to them downtown, and choosing to support the people who make our community vibrant. But today’s customers also expect convenience — the ability to browse, buy, and pick up with just a few taps on their phone. The good news? These two…
Read More5 Small-Town Business Trends to Watch — and Why Early Adopters Win
In small towns like Cody, business success often comes down to one thing: adaptability. The businesses that thrive are the ones that spot shifts in customer behavior early, try new ideas before everyone else, and lean into what makes their community special. As we move into a new season, now is the time to look…
Read MoreGrants for Growth: Unlocking Funding Opportunities for Cody Country Businesses
Yesterday, we were proud to host a Grants for Growth Workshop designed to shine a spotlight on the incredible funding opportunities available to businesses right here in Wyoming. Whether you’re a start-up, a growing small business, or an established company looking to expand, there are state and federal grants that could help fuel your next…
Read MoreEmpowering Cody’s Workforce Through Education & Training
At the Cody Growth Symposium in March, one message came through loud and clear: workforce development is one of our region’s most urgent and shared priorities. From business owners to community leaders, there was a strong call for more tools to support career pathways, employee training, and leadership development. In particular, many voiced the need…
Read MoreBuilding a Stronger Cody Through Statewide Collaboration
This week, I’m honored to be attending the Wyoming Working Together Conference in Gillette—a gathering of economic developers, chamber leaders, community advocates, and state partners from across our great state. While Cody is a uniquely special place with its own character, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit, the truth is we are stronger when we work together.…
Read MoreThe Economic Impact of Art — Why It Matters to Cody
Art may be beautiful, but it’s also big business (in a good way). Here are some of the ways events like Rendezvous Royale contribute to our local economy: Tourism and Visitor SpendingWhen people travel for art — whether collectors, casual art lovers, or friends of artists — they stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, shop…
Read MoreWildly Welcoming – Why Cody’s Story Starts With You
There’s something about Cody, Wyoming you can’t explain until you feel it. It’s not just the mountains or the rodeos or the boardwalks. It’s the way you’re greeted in a store. The genuine conversations you have with someone who’s lived here for decades, or just got here last year and already feels like family. That’s…
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