Energy Capital Economic Development has announced Curtis Burdette as its new vice president of operations.

The Gillette-based economic development group is focused on diversification and supporting entrepreneurs, especially in energy-related businesses or services.

Burdette said his new position will allow him to work with established business owners and up-and-coming entrepreneurs in the area, as well businesses that financially support Economic Development.

"A lot of what I'll be doing is getting out into the community, talking to businesses and then working with our start-ups here and supporting our CEO," he said.

One of the groups he'll be working with is focused on the future of the area.

"One of my specific projects will be working with what's called the Next Generation, NextGen. We have a group here in northeast Wyoming, we have industry leaders who get together and [talk about] what will your industry going to need from your employees five, 10, 15 years from now," he said.

Burdette has lived in Gillette for three years and is also the chair of the local lodging tax board.

He'll also work on the Advanced Carbon Products Innovation Center that will support businesses that want to make advanced carbon go from the research phase to a point at which the products are commercially viable.

Have a question about this story? Contact the reporter, Catherine Wheeler, at cwheel11@uwyo.edu.