The Goshen County Economic Development Corporation cut the ribbon on their new offices last week, and new Executive Director Lisa Johnson said she is settling in well.

“It’s been very enjoyable,” Johnson said. “It’s fun to be involved in the community.”

Johnson filled in as interim executive director after the departure of Brad Sutherland and was named as the full-time executive director in March. The transition, she said, was a smooth one due to a supportive board and a good relationship with Sutherland.

Johnson has lived in the LaGrange area for five years, ever since her husband Matt bought a ranch there.

She has experience in the field, having worked in economic development in Colorado, where she served as the director of the Morgan County Economic Development Corp. in Fort Morgan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Eastern New Mexico University.

Although recruiting businesses to an area is a focus of economic development, Johnson said she sees her job as also helping established businesses with marketing research and other siminars.

“It’s just as important to foster growth from businesses already here,” Johnson said.

GCEDC also has many on-going community projects, such as administering grants for the Hawk Springs Community Building Association in their project to remodel the Hawk Springs Community Building.

“It’s really needed,” Johnson said. “We really want to truly be a countywide economic development corporation.”

Johnson said she hopes in the future to become more acquainted with Lingle and Fort Laramie and forge better partnerships with all of the communities in the county.

GCEDC also manages Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a federal program that provides financial assistance for families in Goshen County.

The GCEDC has seen some other major changes recently in addition to its new director. A new administrative assistant position was added this year. Laura Gurule handles accounting, bookkeeping and many other aspects of the organization, leaving Johnson free to focus on the bigger picture. Johnson said she now has more time to be out in the community meeting with clients.

Another change was the move to new premises on 22nd Avenue.

“We’re really enjoying our new location,” Johnson said. “It gives us a little more space.”

The offices, formerly belonging to an insurance company, are now set up to host meetings or training sessions for businesses or organizations. The conference room is wired for Internet and a conference phone. The table is modular to fit any size group.

The new office also serves as a showcase for local businesses, Johnson said. The furnishings have all been purchased from local stores such as Vandel Drug or D and B Fine Furniture. The artwork has been purchased or is on loan from local artists Mary Tipsword and Julie Nighswonger.

The GCEDC is also in the process of having a new logo and a new Web site professionally designed. Previously the GCEDC had a section on the city of Torrington Web site. The new site will highlight available resources and will be a tool for businesses.

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