Laramie Chamber Business Alliance hires Sen. Enzi's son; drawing criticism, ties to Two Elk plant

Brad Enzi’s selection as the new president and CEO of the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance has raised eyebrows among the city’s elected officials, at least one of whom is concerned by his tenure with a company involved in a multi-million-dollar fraud against the United States government.

Under questioning from a Laramie City Council member last month, Brad Enzi denied any wrongdoing and said he was transparent with the Laramie business development group about his 12-year stint as an executive with Denver-based North American Power Group, including serving as the company’s public face and the chief promoter of the defunct Two Elk Power Plant project south of Gillette.

Despite repeated requests from WyoFile reporters, Laramie Chamber Business Alliance board members, including chairman Dave Coffey, have so far refused to comment on the hiring process. The non-profit organization holds a $110,000 annual service contract with the city of Laramie and regularly secures and manages grants from state agencies.

Enzi — son of U.S. Sen. Mike Enzi — resigned from North American Power Group as its vice president and chief Wyoming representative on Aug. 10, nearly two years after North American president Michael J. Ruffatto admitted in federal court to stealing $5.7 million from a 2009-2010 stimulus grant to study carbon storage potential on the company’s Two Elk property.

Read more: https://www.wyofile.com/enzi-economic-development-hire-draws-criticism-defenders/