Chamber plans for annual fundraiser

Thursday night at the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce regular meeting, the chamber board voted to move forward with the proposed idea for its 2018 vacation getaway fundraiser.

Though previous years have seen a grand prize of one trip, this year things are changing up a bit with a total four prizes offered. The board had discussed this option at a previous meeting, the idea being to offer trip packages to communities in the state. There is also the hope that those communities’ chambers reciprocate and offer trip packages to Thermopolis for their fundraisers.

Among the prizes offered for the fundraiser are a fishing trip to Jackson, tickets to a game of the Wyoming Cowboys against the Washington State Cougars on Sept. 1, 2018, visits to historic sites in Saratoga and zip line trip at Sleeping Giant Resort near Yellowstone.

Winners of the prizes will be drawn at the annual chamber banquet, scheduled for March 24, 2018. There was some discussion as to whether the prizes had to be taken or if they could be exchanged instead, and it was decided any of the trips could be traded for $100. The trips do have to be booked prior to May 15, 2018, however, as this allows the chamber to keep the expense and revenue for the prizes within the same fiscal year. Each chamber board member is responsible for selling at least 10 tickets.

Also during the meeting, the board welcomed Kerri Mannig, Amanda Kraushaar and Lana Nicodemus as new members. They will serve three-year terms. Josiah Butler was appointed as the middle school representative, and there is still no nomination for a high school representative. The board also approved the executive board consisting of President Greg Willson, Vice President Deb Tudor, Treasurer Vivian Butchart and Secretary Robin Griffin.

The schedule for the Pay It Forward program was suspended. Through the monthly program, a business or organization is selected and on a chosen day any available board members stop by to express their appreciation. However, it was noted during the meeting that they have been a bit lax in the program. The program will remain in place, but will not have a set schedule.

Chamber Executive Director Meri Ann Rush spoke of the Antique Stroll in October, noting John Sollo was well received and people from Thermopolis and outside the community came to Hot Springs County Museum so Sollo could appraise their items. The event resulted in $567.80 profit, and Rush encouraged everyone come out and visit with Sollo the next time he comes to town.

Deb Tudor reported Main Street, once a year, has a Best Practices conference, and this year’s is in Kansas City, Mo. During the conference she noted, Main Street people are put on busses and taken around to other communities. Deb and her husband, Rick, went to last year’s conference in Pittsburgh and she said it was very interesting. She’s hopeful more people get to attend.

Phil Scheel expressed his appreciation to the members of Thermopolis Main Street for being active in the community, noting the organization does not have a paid board and it is all volunteer.

Tudor, in her executive report, said this past year has flown by with so many events happening. Coming from another small town in Colorado, she said she has never seen so much happening in one town and the people pulling together to make those events happen. She looks forward to the new adventure 2018 will bring, adding it will be a bigger, better year.

The next chamber meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Dec. 14 at Hot Springs County Museum.