Posted 5-6-08

Governor Appoints Dick Bratton To Wyoming Business Council

Cheyenne (Office of the Governor) -- Dick Bratton, a long-time member of Wyoming's accounting and financial investment industries, will join the Wyoming Business Council, Gov. Dave Freudenthal announced today.

Bratton will fill the position vacated by Wendy Jo McCroskey who recently resigned from the council. His term will last until March of 2010.

"Dick brings decades of business experience to the council and I thank him for his willingness to serve," Freudenthal said. "His deep ties with the state's financial and accounting industries, the University of Wyoming and economic development efforts across the state will enable him to play an important role in this group."

Bratton said he looks forward to contributing to the council his years of experience in small businesses through accounting, management, banking and investing.

"Wyoming is experiencing some very interesting times," Bratton said. "The current strong state economy presents some tremendous opportunities, but also some challenges. The continued funding support from the Governor and Legislature to the Wyoming Business Council allows it to participate in projects that might not otherwise be completed.
They are working closely with local communities and investors to meet some of their 'growing pain' challenges in a wide variety of ways to develop Wyoming's economy. I look forward to joining the council and building a stronger Wyoming economy."

Bratton currently works as an investment manager at Jona, Inc., and serves on several boards of directors for venture capital firms. Prior to this position, he served as chief financial officer for WERCS, the parent company of the Wyoming Financial Group. Early in his career, Bratton worked for many years as a certified public accountant.

The 16-member board of the Wyoming Business Council focuses on securing new business development in the state. Its divisions include: Agribusiness, Business and Industry, Investment Ready Communities, Support Services and Travel and Tourism.

"We are pleased that the Governor appointed Dick Bratton to the Wyoming Business Council Board," said chief executive officer Bob Jensen. "Dick's broad Wyoming business experience will be a real benefit to the board and staff as we continue to work to expand and grow Wyoming's economy."