By Sarah Elmquist Squires, Managing Editor
and Carl Cote, Photo Editor
Governor Mark Gordon visited Lander Thursday to mark the ribbon cutting for one of the city’s newest economic drivers – the new, 26,000-square-foot Maven headquarters. The locally founded and owned business that creates outdoor optics equipment such as binoculars and rifle scopes has a couple dozen employees, and is poised to grow in its new home in the Lander Economic Development Association (LEDA) business park.
“Believe me, these guys [Maven leaders] can make things happen,” Gordon told the crowd. “Folks like these and others around the state have made our economy more diverse than it’s been in 80 years.”
The city of Lander helped Maven apply for funds from the Wyoming Business Council to aid in the construction – a $3-million grant and a $3-million low-interest loan. It’s an example of the state’s efforts to spur economic growth and job creation.
“You’re why we’re here,” Cade Maestas, Maven co-founder and host of the ceremony told the audience. “This is where we want to be. All of the great things this community means to us … We just want to thank you, Lander.”
Those who gathered for the ceremony were gifted special edition golden binoculars as part of Maven’s thank-you celebration. Fremont County Treasurer Mike Jones noted everyone in attendance were united on a common front. “We all have one thing in common – we all want our city to be successful and to be a nice place to live.”