WASHINGTON, D.C. — June 2026
Wyo-Ben, Inc., a family-owned leader in Wyoming Bentonite Clay products, has been honored with a 2026 Private Company Board of the Year Award by MLR Media, recognizing excellence in private company governance and board leadership.
The award was presented during the 2026 Private Company Governance Summit®, held June 10–12 in Washington, D.C. Wyo-Ben was one of only seven private companies nationwide selected for this prestigious recognition.
The Private Company Boards of the Year Awards recognize fiduciary and advisory boards that demonstrate exceptional governance practices, strategic leadership, and a strong commitment to serving shareholders, employees, customers, and the communities they impact. Recipients are selected for going beyond legal governance requirements and exemplifying best practices in board structure, oversight, and performance.
Founded in 1951, Wyo-Ben is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2026. Over the past seven decades, the company has grown from its Wyoming roots into a global supplier of premium bentonite clay products serving industries including oil and gas, water well drilling, civil construction, environmental applications, pet products, and consumer goods. Throughout its history, Wyo-Ben has remained committed to family ownership, operational excellence, and long-term stewardship.
David Brown, President and CEO of Wyo-Ben, accepted the award on behalf of the company’s Board of Directors, employees, and shareholders during the awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. As Wyo-Ben celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026, the recognition serves as a testament to the company’s longstanding commitment to strong leadership, sound governance, and responsible stewardship that have guided its success for three-quarters of a century.
“This recognition reflects the strength of Wyo-Ben’s leadership and governance culture,” said Brown. “For 75 years, our company has been guided by long-term stewardship, sound decision-making, and a commitment to creating lasting value for our employees, customers, shareholders, and communities. Nearly 20 years ago, we made the deliberate decision to appoint a majority of independent outside directors to our seven-member board. That decision helped shape the company we are today and strengthened our ability to grow while remaining true to the principles that have defined Wyo-Ben for generations. We are honored to receive this recognition and proud of what it represents.”
“This award is especially meaningful as Wyo-Ben celebrates its 75th anniversary,” Brown added. “It reflects not only the strength of our Board, but also the dedication of our employees, the trust of our customers, and the values that have guided our company since 1951. We share this recognition with the many individuals who have contributed to Wyo-Ben’s success over the past three-quarters of a century.”
The Private Company Governance Summit®, now in its 14th year, is the nation’s only conference dedicated exclusively to the governance challenges and opportunities facing closely held, family-owned, and private equity-owned businesses.
This year’s Board of the Year honorees included Benco Dental, U.S. Venture Inc., Edmund Optics, Wyo-Ben, Inc., ThermFlo Inc./Zonatherm Products, Kingsbury Inc., and MSA Professional Services.
About Wyo-Ben, Inc.
Wyo-Ben, Inc. is a market leader in mining and manufacturing premium Wyoming Bentonite Clay products. Family-owned since 1951, Wyo-Ben proudly celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026, marking three-quarters of a century of innovation, integrity, and industry leadership. Wyo-Ben serves global industries including oil and gas, water well drilling, environmental construction, hazardous wastewater treatment, cat litter, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and other industrial and consumer markets. Headquartered in Billings, Montana, with strategically located manufacturing facilities in Greybull, Thermopolis, Lovell, Wyoming, Billings, Montana and Toronto, Canada. Wyo-Ben ensures product availability and reliable supply. Customers count on Wyo-Ben for premium-quality products, proven performance, excellent service, and knowledgeable application specialists. Backed by decades of innovation and strong partnerships with local dealers, Wyo-Ben continues its 75-year legacy of helping customers get the job done with confidence. For more information, visit www.wyoben.com.
