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Chamber Board

John Balser, Chairman
Western Vista Federal Credit Union
3207 Sparks Road
634-2197

John Balser has worked in banking for over 30 years. He is currently President of Western Vista Federal Credit Union, where he has served the community and credit union members since 1989. Western Vista Federal Credit Union has offices in Cheyenne and Casper.

John has been an active member of the community, serving as immediate past chairman of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee, chairman of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, parade assistant for Cheyenne Frontier Days and past treasurer of Cheyenne Kiwanis.

John and his wife, Cathy, have two children and four grandchildren.

Scott Walker, Incoming Chair/ Vice President of Military and Governmental Affairs

Wyoming Tribune-Eagle
702 W. Lincolnway
633-3150

Scott Walker is vice president of Marketing and Operations for the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, where his responsibilities include advertising, production and systems. He is also a member of the editorial board and has been with the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle for over 10 years.

Walker has been a member of the LEADS Board of Directors and has served as a member of the Executive Committee and the Long Range Strategic Planning Committee. He has also served as the board’s secretary and chairman.

He and his wife, Deb, have two children: Josh and Cally.

Kevin Paintner, Treasurer/Vice President of Finance and Administration
First National Bank of Wyoming
2015 Central Avenue
634-2483

Kevin Paintner is the president of First National Bank of Wyoming. Before joining the First National team, he was with Community First Bank for more than eight years and has over 15 years of banking and financial services experience.

Prior to coming to Cheyenne in May 2001, Paintner was a Community First corporate vice president and responsible for bank operations for the state of Arizona. Paintner is an active member of the Chamber’s Military Affairs Committee.

Kevin is a graduate of the University of North Dakota where he received a degree in business administration. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children.

William Neidig , Vice President of Community Affairs
KJUA AM 1380/KRND AM 1630
415 East 3rd Street
635-8787

William Neidig is President of La Familia Broadcasting in Cheyenne. He was raised in Lakewood, Colorado, and began his career in radio at the age of eight with a weekly radio show. At the age of 15, William took on a daily afternoon shift and three years later became Program Director. Within a year he became Vice President of the company for which he worked, continuing to develop and host a variety of community events.

In 2005, William and his family decided that Cheyenne was in desperate need of Spanish language radio, and decided to open the first and only (2) 24-hour Spanish radio stations in Wyoming.

The name, La Familia Broadcasting, was chosen because the business consists of four partners, all family; Kris, Andres, Andrea and William. Twelve year old Eduardo is in seventh grade and is beginning his radio career developing sports reports whenever he is on break from school. Along with Spanish language music, La Familia focuses on community events, the importance of education and stimulating economic development within the Hispanic community.

Merrie Elsberry , Vice President of Membership and Fundraising
A Thru Z Document Destruction
4720 Ranch House Way
221-2825

Merrie Elsberry owns A Thru Z Document Destruction, Inc., with her husband, Tom. Merrie has extensive experience in positions requiring adherence to strict security regulations when dealing with confidential materials including several years in law enforcement communications as well as accounts payable, receivable, payroll and supervisory duties in new accounts for a major credit card company in the private sector. Both Merrie and Tom are veterans of the United States Navy. While living in South Dakota, they researched mobile document destruction as a possible avenue to allow them to move back to Cheyenne.

As a business owner, Merrie has been an active member of the Chamber. She has served on the Red Carpet Committee, Small Business Council and the Youth Excellence in Service Award committee. She has volunteered for a number of MAC events that Tom has run as a committee member.

Both Merrie and Tom are graduates of the Leadership Cheyenne program. A Thru Z Document Destruction is a recipient of the New Business Challenge Award and will celebrate its fifth anniversary in 2008.

Mark Ruppert, Vice President of Business Prosperity
Holland & Hart
2515 Warren Avenue, Suite 450

778-4200

Mark Ruppert is an attorney primarily practicing in the areas of environmental litigation, oil and gas litigation, and complex commercial litigation. Mark has been Of Counsel with Holland & Hart, LLP, in Cheyenne, since his retirement from active duty with the Air Force in January 2005. Mark currently serves on the Board of Directors and as a Deacon at Calvary Chapel of Cheyenne. Mark is also involved with the Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee.

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Mark received his law degree from Ohio State University in 1981, graduating with Honors in Law and receiving the class trial advocacy award. Mark entered the Air Force as a judge advocate in 1983 through the direct appointment program, leaving the private practice of law with a large litigation firm in Lansing, Michigan.

Mark’s first military assignment, from 1983 to 1986, was F. E. Warren Air Force Base, where he met his wife, Julia, a Cheyenne native. The rest of his military career included a number of honors and commendations. In 2004, Mark led a team under combat conditions to Afghanistan to investigate detainee interrogations for the Secretary of Defense. Mark’s military decorations include the Legion of Merit, seven Meritorious Service Medals, and the Humanitarian Service Medal.

Mark and his wife Julia are proud parents of three children: Dennis (31), Casey (29), and Sarah (19). They make their home north of Cheyenne on the ranch where Julia grew up and are happy to call Cheyenne “home at last.”

Rick Schum, Past Chair
Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Wyoming
4000 House Avenue
432-2819

Rick Schum currently serves as the Vice President of Marketing for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming, overseeing all sales and marketing activities throughout the state. He also has direct responsibility for the Wyoming Health Insurance Pool, the Caring Foundation of Wyoming and all statewide government relations activities. Schum has worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming for over 26 years, during which time he has held numerous positions in both the internal operations and marketing areas.

Schum is a native to Cheyenne, graduating from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management. He has a Certified Health Consultant designation from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors. He is a past director of the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra, served on the State Employee’s and Officials Group Insurance Board, has served on the Standard and Basic Benefits Committee and the Health Benefit Plan Committee. He currently serves on the Prevent Child Abuse Wyoming Board of Directors and the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Rick and his wife, Michelle, have two children.

Steve Farkas
Corral West Ranchwear
4519 Frontier Mall Drive
632-0951

Steve Farkas joined Corral West Ranchwear in 1991 and serves as Senior Vice President for CWR Holdings, the parent company to Corral West Ranchwear, Corral West E-commerce and CWR Work Wear Depot. Mr. Farkas is responsible for the company’s human resources, distribution, logistics, e-commerce, IT and Outside Sales Divisions.

Farkas has played a key role in the growth of CWR Holdings. His contributions include the re-creation of the company’s human resources division, leading the acquisition of several industry competitors, initiating new distribution and logistics systems, designing platforms for e-commerce and retail system integration, development of the company’s outside sales and business-to-business divisions and creation of CWR Holdings new retail concept, CWR Work Wear Depot. CWR Holdings now operates 97 stores in 19 states and maintains strong international presence via its e-commerce business.

Farkas has been a featured speaker at Direct Marketing Association Conferences and has contributed to various national trade periodicals. In addition to serving as a business advisor and reference for Fidelity Investments, Farkas assists the Wyoming Business Council and Cheyenne LEADS with state and local business development efforts. Farkas is also an active member of the National Society for Human Management, the University of Wyoming School of Business, Air Force Association, and Cheyenne Military Affairs Committee.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Farkas is an avid Gator fan and Alumni supporter. He enjoys water sports, photography and spending time with his family. Steve is married to Laurie and has two children, Alexandra and Austin.

Vicki Graham
The Property Exchange
255 Storey Blvd
631-6884

Vicki Graham is Broker Associate and Owner of The Property Exchange, specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions. Along with her husband and partner, Rob, she has become famous to their clients for delivering exceptional care, with over 95% of their business from past clients and client referrals.

Vicki grew up in Kansas, then served eight years in the military and went on to be selected for a three-year internship program as a computer programmer with the Army. Vicki spent the next eight years in Fayetteville, North Carolina, with Joint Special Operations Command as a computer programmer, network manager, and systems security manager.

While in North Carolina, Vicki met Rob and they began a future which included owning and managing their own furniture company, investing in real estate, planning a move to Wyoming, building a new home, meeting wonderful people, spending time with family, and starting a career in real estate.

Jim Hearne
McGee, Hearne & Paiz, LLP
314 West 18^th Street
634-2151

Jim Hearne has dedicated most of his life to living and working in Wyoming. Born in Hanna, he received his education in Laramie and graduated from the University of Wyoming. He started his career with McGladrey & Pullen, LLP, and climbed the ranks until becoming a partner and then purchasing the business in 2000.

Jim has excelled as a community leader, serving in Cheyenne Lions Club, the Laramie County Tourism Board, the Cheyenne Rotary Club, Cheyenne LEADS’ Board of Directors and the Cowboy Joe Club. He has been influential in Cheyenne Frontier Days, serving a number of positions including General Chairman. He was inducted into the CFD Hall of Fame in 2006.

The Chamber has recognized his contributions to the business community, naming him Person of the Year in 1988 and Small Business Advocate of the Year in 1999.

Michael Milam
Frontier Refining & Marketing Inc.
2700 East 5th Street
634-3551

Robert Harmon

Robert is the current General Manager of the Holiday Inn on Fox Farm Road. He holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration, with over 30 years in the Hospitality industry. Robert has been involved in the Cheyenne community from 1998 as General Manager of the Hitching Post Inn to 2001 and then returning in 2004 at his current position. In past he has been on various boards to include: Current board member of the Laramie County Convention and Visitor Bureau, Past Chairman of the board of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitor Bureau, (Fairbanks Alaska), Chairman of the Board of the Alaska Hotel Motel Association, Board member of the Fairbanks down Town Association, Board member of the Alaska Red Cross, and a former board member of the Wyoming Lodging & Restaurant Association. Bob has been a Rotarian for the past 14 years and is currently a member of the Cheyenne Rotary; He’s a 28 year member of the Nights of Columbus, both 3^rd and 4^th degree.

Robert has had many accomplishments with in the Business community and leadership within the tourism and hospitality industry. His representation and instinctive training ability has maintained guest satisfaction, development of employees, and repositioning of business where ever he has worked for the betterment of the community.

Robert has been married to his wife Mary (a former executive of United Airline) for the past 29 years; they have 3 adult children and 3 grand children.

Robert is looking forward to representing you as a board member of the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce.

Gregg Jones

Gregg was born in 1956, he is a 4^th generation Wyomingite. He is married to Dorrie Jones and has three children: Tara, Hilary, and Chase and has one grandchild: Aria

Gregg’s hobbies include: water sports, chasing cows on our family ranch and following his grandchild around.

Career Information

Graduated Torrington High School, Torrington, WY 1974

Graduated University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 1978

1979 – 1989 Converse County Bank, Douglas, WY

Responsibilities included lender, auditor and operations officer

1989 – 1993 Citizens National Bank, Torrington, WY

Responsibilities included commercial and ag lending

1993 – 1997 First Security Bank, Craig, CO

Responsibility – Bank President

1997 – 2005 American National Bank, Cheyenne, WY

Responsibilities included commercial lending and acting as regional senior credit officer of WY region

2005 – 2006 Jonah, Inc.

Responsibilities included gathering information necessary to establish a bank charter

2008 – Current Jonah Bank of Wyoming

Responsibilities include acting as Chief Credit Officer and EVP, as well as serving as Cheyenne market President

Community Involvement

Prior Service

Chamber President, Torrington, WY

United Way Board President, Craig CO

Board member and Treasurer, Boys and Girls Club, Cheyenne

Numerous community board positions in Douglas, Torrington, and Craig

Current Service

YMCA – current Board member

Downtown Development Authority – Treasurer and Board member

United Way – former co-campaign chair and current Board member

Rotary – current directory chair and member

Wyoming Bankers Association – Board member

Linda Weppner

Linda is a 28 year member of the real estate profession. She is the Broker/Owner of CENTURY 21 Bell Real Estate in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Linda has specialized in residential real estate, single & multi-family investment properties, commercial real estate sales, and property management during her career.

Linda is a Wyoming state approved instructor in Ethics I & II, Professional Standards Procedures, Agency, Fair Housing, Risk Management and the Wyoming Real Estate Commission required continuing education courses for real estate license renewal. Linda has been instructing real estate education classes for the past 15 years. She is an active member of REEA (Real Estate Educators Association), and has participated in several Instructor Development Workshops. Linda’s career in teaching began in the Junior High classroom as an Environmental Science teacher and included an associate professorship of Chemistry at Laramie County Community College.

Linda is a graduate of the Wyoming Real Estate Institute & holds the CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) designation. Linda was awarded the CRB (Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager) designation in October, 1999, following extensive course work and a juried demonstration thesis. Because of the intensive curriculum of this designation, there are only 13,000 designees in the United States. Linda graduated from Hastings College, Hastings, Nebraska, with a Bachelor of Arts & received a Masters of Science from the University of Wyoming.

Linda is a very active member of the real estate community. She has served as the President of the Cheyenne Multiple Listing Service, President of the Cheyenne Board of REALTORSâ & was honored as the 1994 REALTORâ of the Year. Linda also served on the Executive Board of Directors of the Wyoming Association of REALTORSâ for two (2) years. Linda was instrumental in the development of the Policies and Procedures for the Wyoming Association of REALTORS® Statewide Professional Standards Enforcement Program. She has also authored and instructs the courses “Mediation – The Pathway to Reasonable Resolutions”, “Mediation 101 – An Introduction to Problem Solving… Are We Going to Fight or Make Up??!!”, and “Practical Applications of the Mediative Process”. Linda is recognized as an accomplished Mediator and Arbitrator.

Jody Levin

Jody Levin is the Public Policy Director for Qwest Communications Wyoming. In this capacity, Jody develops and implements Qwest’s legislative policy, oversees the Qwest Foundation and works with local communities to address service needs, while also promoting new technology.

Prior to joining Qwest in 2003, Jody spent five years coordinating natural resource and agricultural policy at the state and federal level. In 2002, Governor Jim Geringer appointed her as the Wyoming Endangered Species Coordinator where she worked with stakeholders to balance Wyoming’s economic needs with species management. In Washington D.C., Jody had the distinct honor of serving Wyoming as U.S. Senator Craig Thomas’ Legislative Director.

Jody serves on numerous civic boards, including the Wyoming Rural Development Council where she is currently Vice-Chair and Laramie County Community College’s Foundation Board of