Posted: Thursday, October 2, 2008 12:00 am
Officials: Wyo banks sound
CHEYENNE -- Wyoming banking officials said Thursday that banks in the state remain financially sound despite the nation's economic turmoil. It's a message they've been sharing with an increasing number of customers worried about protecting their money during uncertain times.
State Banking Commissioner Jeff Vogel said Wyoming's banks are strong and in good position to make loans. Wyoming banks had little exposure to subprime housing mortgages, and the state's overall mortgage default rate is low, he said.
"Wyoming's banking sector is doing quite well throughout this crisis," Vogel said. "(Wyoming banks) are well capitalized, they're well managed and they have money to lend."
Business Council releases draft plan
CHEYENNE -- The Wyoming Business Council recently released the agency's draft outline of its goals for continued service to the state's communities, businesses and residents. The council is seeking public input on the plan for state residents and has a series of town meetings planned for this month.
"We are laying out a roadmap for business development and improved quality of life in all of our communities," said Bob Jensen, CEO of the Business Council.
"We hope people will come out and give us their thoughts on whether we're heading down the right path," he said. "It's an important document for us all and we'd like to know what people think."
The draft plan focuses on improving the quality of life for residents, promoting business development that complements the state's assets, and cultivating Wyoming communities where people live, work, visit and play.
Public input forums are scheduled for Riverton Oct. 15, Diamondville Oct. 16, Wamsutter Oct. 17, Worland Oct. 21, Gillette Oct. 22, Casper Oct. 23 and Cheyenne Oct. 24. The draft plan can be viewed at www.wyomingbusiness.org.
Wyo civil rights group recharters
CHEYENNE -- The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has rechartered its Wyoming Advisory Committee.
The 15-member committee will monitor civil rights issues within the state, hold hearings when necessary and file reports with the national commission, according to the U.S. commission's announcement.
Tom Sansonetti, a Cheyenne attorney with the law firm of Holland and Hart, was named chairman of the advisory committee.
The committee can review discrimination in hiring, voting rights issues and equal access to education, Sansonetti said Wednesday.
The Wyoming committee has not been chartered for several years.
The other members of the advisory committee are Jacquelyn Bridgeman, Laramie; Vicky Law Burger, Casper; Dr. Robert Byrd, Sheridan; Shelby Carlson, Basin; Kathleen Dixon, Casper; Sleeter Dover, Cheyenne; Melvin Hamilton, Casper; Dr. Richard Machalek, Laramie; Kerry Moon, Fort Washakie; Magdaleno Ornelas, Cheyenne; Anetra Parks, Laramie; Gail Ridgely, Riverton; Dr. Francisco Rios, Laramie, and George Santini, Cheyenne.