Gillette Chamber of Commerce reflects on 70 years of business growth, community support

July 7, 2026 - 19:48

GILLETTE, Wyo. - The Gillette Chamber of Commerce is marking seven decades of work connecting local businesses and supporting the wider community. Founded in 1956 by a group of local business owners, the organization has grown into a key link between the private sector and government leaders at the local, county, and state levels.

CEO Gail Loafing said the Chamber's role has shifted over the years but its core mission remains the same: helping businesses thrive while strengthening the community. "We started as a small group of people who wanted to see Gillette grow," Loafing said. "Now we work on everything from workforce development to public policy, but it is still about making this a place where people want to live and work."

The Chamber now represents hundreds of member businesses across a range of industries, from energy and manufacturing to retail and health care. It also runs programs aimed at supporting new entrepreneurs and helping existing businesses expand. Loafing noted that the Chamber has helped secure funding for local infrastructure projects and has pushed for policies that make it easier to start a business in Wyoming.

Looking ahead, Loafing said the Chamber plans to focus on housing availability, child care access, and workforce recruitment. She said the next 70 years will require adapting to changes in technology and the economy, but the goal of supporting Gillette's growth will stay the same.