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Chamber board approves office hours modification

Thursday evening, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce approved a change in the hours at the Chamber office. The Chamber will close from 12:30-1:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.

Chamber Executive Director Meri Ann Rush proposed the change, since it was now getting into the “off-tour” season, so there is something like an established lunch hour. She chose the time to still allow people who had lunch hours from 12-1 p.m. and 1-2 p.m. time to stop in.

In other board news, the decision was made to not hire Scott Mecca as a consultant for the 2017 solar eclipse. Mecca had initially proposed a $5,000 contract for his services, which would involve advertising for the event. However, due in part to budget cuts, that price wasn’t possible. The Chamber, along with the Shoshoni Chamber of Commerce and Hot Springs State Park, planned to present a lower contract to Mecca; however, those same entities have since chosen not to hire him.

Rush said the die-hard eclipse people coming to Thermopolis already have their plans. She noted they do have some advertising money allocated from Hot Springs County Travel and Tourism, and the target group is day-trippers.

Greg Willson, speaking as chair for the Lodging Tax Political Action Committee, reported both Town Council and the County Commissioners have expressed support for having renewal of the tax placed on the ballot for the upcoming election. Willson emphasized the tax is not increasing, and it does not affect residents of Hot Springs County outside of the advertising to bring people here.

Rush provided an update on Chamber Master. She said they are moving forward with the program, and work is being done to convert the current access database to the Chamber Master. She hopes to be up and going by Nov. 1.

Rush also gave review of the recent demolition, which brought in total net proceeds of $13,887.56. She pointed out some of the expenses not received yet were projected high, and she expects to make the projected proceeds of $14,000. The event has grown, as last year there were 27 entries, compared to over 40 this year.

As for next year, Rush said she there were issues regarding seating so there will be signs put up and there will be more handicapped seating. Next year’s derby could be even bigger, as it around the same time as the eclipse, which could really have a positive effect on ticket sales.

Deb Tudor spoke about the upcoming Oktobrewfest, Sept. 24. Among the activities will be food, vendors, music, a kids area, Cornhole tournament, Beer Pong and historical tours.

Speaking to the topic of why people are on the board, Willson said it’s very easy for board to fall into patterns. He enjoys seeing new people on the board, as it keeps it from being stagnant. However, board members can also keep that from happening by reviewing the board’s purpose and goals, as well as how they can bring their skills and energy best to the board.

He encouraged people to make being a Chamber board member a priority, both in regard to the meetings and at the various activities they participate in.

Rush reported she would be gone Oct. 5-7 for the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce Conference; she has put in proposals to have a future one in Thermopolis. The town will host the Regional State Chamber of Commerce — covering the Big Horn Basin — meeting, Nov. 15. Rush said the meetings are beneficial, as it allows people a chance to discuss issues and share solutions.

 

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