CHEYENNE – The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (DWS) and its partners honored four Wyoming employers that have demonstrated excellence in workforce practices on Wednesday, October 20th.

The awards ceremony took place during the 2021 Wyoming Safety and Workforce Summit, a joint effort between DWS and the Wyoming Workforce Development Council. The summit is an event held annually by the partners and speaks to both improving safety practices and strengthening Wyoming’s workforce.

DWS Director Robin Sessions Cooley said that the presentation of the workforce awards are an important way to recognize outstanding employers around Wyoming. “Each year we get the honor of presenting these awards to employers who are truly passionate about creating exceptional workplaces,” said Director Cooley. “The department and its partners are grateful to these employers and workers for their leadership and contributions toward a thriving business climate in Wyoming.”

Wyoming Workforce Development Council Chairman Fabian Lobera presented the awards. “Every one of the employers honored this year have made it a priority to help develop Wyoming’s workforce,” said Lobera. “With innovative employers like this operating in our state, we remain very optimistic about the future of Wyoming’s workforce.”

The 2021 summit awards and winners are as follows:

Youth-friendly Employer of the Year: The Youth-friendly Employer of the Year Award honors a private-sector or public-sector employer whose efforts to recruit and hire youth age 16-24 have had a significant impact on youth across the state.

Award Recipient: Delta Wye, Gillette, Wyoming

Veteran-friendly Employer of the Year: The Veteran-friendly Employer of the Year Award honors a private-sector or public-sector employer whose efforts to recruit and hire veterans have had a significant impact on veterans across the state.

Award Recipient: Black Hills Energy, statewide

Small Employer of the Year: The Small Employer of the Year Award honors a private-sector or public-sector employer whose efforts and initiatives have had an extraordinary impact on the State of Wyoming, other employers, workers, and the communities in which the employer does business. A small employer is a company with 249 employees or fewer.

Award recipient: The HumbleBee Shop, Powell, Wyoming

Large Employer of the Year: The Large Employer of the Year Award honors a private-sector or public-sector employer whose efforts and initiatives have had an extraordinary impact on the State of Wyoming, other employers, workers, and the communities in which the employer does business. A large employer is one with 250 or more employees.

Award recipient: TJ Maxx/Sierra Trading Post, Cheyenne and Cody, Wyoming

For more information about the 2021 Wyoming Safety and Workforce Summit, please visit wyomingworkforce.org.