Circus coming to town in July

At the March Thermopolis-Hot Springs County Chamber of Commerce board meeting held at Big Horn Federal, CEO Meri Ann Dorman announced the Culpepper & Merriweather Circus will return with their Big Top on July 7 with two show times, 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. They will set up near the Hot Springs State Park headquarters. This circus was last presented in Thermopolis two years ago.

Long-term substitute teacher Riley Jeff and the high school FFA students presented a skit discussing the rise in land value. The skit explored various perspectives about whether this increase would incentivize people to leave the farming lifestyle and whether they would take a large sum of money from potential buyers. The chamber board members provided feedback and asked questions to help improve the student’s performance.

In old business, the board discussed their 2024 county maps campaign. They also voted and passed the approval of their strategic plan based on their discussion in January. The board reviewed the focus areas that covered business relations, organizational matters, and operations of the board.

In new business, they have their Business After Hours at the Wind River Lounge at the Quality Inn on March 21. They will have their annual board meeting on April 11.

Chamber President Shelly Burrows nominated Lana Nicodemus, Stephanie Mohr, and Howie Samelson to the nomination committee for the coming board member elections. During the discussion, the board noted that they were looking for nominees who have businesses in areas they currently do not represent. Some of those areas included real estate, lodging, and banks. 

The board also moved their May meeting to May 16 at 6 p.m. at Big Horn Federal.

Howie Samelson, representing Main Street, Thermopolis reported their Love Local campaign is still going on. Also, on April 18 they will have a ribbon cutting for the painting of the mural at the old fire hall and all the agencies who were involved. 

During the director’s report, CEO Dorman reported on the shooting complex committee and that there were eight submissions with letters of interest, which were due on March 1. They were discussed by the task force on March 15. In April, the task force will release the request for proposal requirements.

The next Chamber meeting will be on April 11 at Big Horn Federal.