Public hearing planned for review of Travel and Tourism budget

Tuesday at the meeting of the Travel and Tourism Board, Director Amanda Moeller reported the budget has been sent in to the State, and it was returned with no comments or issues. By state statute, she noted, there has to be a public hearing — advertised three weeks in advance — regarding the budget. The hearing is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. July 19, prior to the board’s regular meeting, at the Quality Inn.

The total budget for the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2016 is $220,120, which includes:

•$114,300 for advertising. This includes: 19 billboards — 10 traditional and nine digital — and re-facing six boards this year and a partnership with the Smokin’ Waters Art Guild to repaint three west of town, print publications, television, radio and other ads like the winter campaign, the German in-language video, Wyo-Movie trivia ads, the sticker program, the tourism app, multi-language website cooperative and FCA high school sports program.

•$39,260 in special event grants — 15 local community events funded in fiscal year 2016.

•$54,050 in administration and consulting — Chamber of Commerce weekend and holiday staff, postage for mailing visitor guides, website hosting and maintenance and a marketing consultant.

•$12,150 for additional budget items — accounting, insurance, conferences, travel and contingency.

Moeller further noted at the Tuesday meeting that the carry over from the previous fiscal year would be between $55,000 and $56,000.

Looking specifically at a yearly comparison of lodging tax receipts, Moeller pointed out the current fiscal year is nearly $20,000 higher than two years ago, and four percent higher than last year. “I’m pretty pleased about that,” she said. She doesn’t expect any major budget adjustments, and noted there would be some money to encumber, which she will have by the July meeting.

Chairman Carl Leyba questioned why there was a decrease, from May 2016 over 2015, in tourism packets — from eight to four — and relocation packets — from five to three — and it was suggested the accessibility of such information online could be a factor.

Approved at the meeting was a contract with the Chamber of Commerce, as Travel and Tourism pays for the weekend and holiday staff. Updating of the Pinnacle Bank signature cards were also approved, to add new board member Brianna Mead, who filled an empty seat, and remove anyone not on the board. Originally from Minnesota, Mead is the manager and tourism director at Wyoming Whiskey, as well as the manager of the whiskey shop.

Moeller also reported there has been distribution of stickers, and advertising in print and online, regarding the tourism app. She said there has been good feedback on the app, and it has also helped correct some mistakes such as wrong addresses listed online.

As for the German in-language video shoot, Moeller said it went really well. Among the stops during filming included some fishing, a trip to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and dig site, the bathhouse, the Swinging Bridge and the buffalo pasture. Moeller said the two people working on the video — one lives in New York, the other in Denver — commented they would like to come back to Thermopolis.

The video should be ready to go in September.

Moeller also presented a look at a full-page ad for the official travelers journal. The ad features a picture of the canyon, as well as some pictures of stamps that give a look at things to do around town.

With regard to the board bylaws, a draft copy was approved, to allow for comments and suggestions. Ratification of the bylaws is expected at the July 19 meeting.

As for recent planned power outages by Rocky Mountain Power, Moeller said there have been some concerned business owners, as the outages greatly affect their day. Chairman Leyba recommended businesses contact the Public Service Commission to determine if the times for the outages might be changed.

Moeller also reported, with regard to last weekend’s car rally, many of the cars that came here from across the state had plates with county numbers 1, 4, 6, 10, 17 and 20, and those counties “are the primary areas where we advertise.”

Hot Springs State Park Superintendent Kevin Skates encouraged everyone to come out to the park July 4, for some fun and food leading up to the lighting of the Swinging Bridge, prior to the annual fireworks from the top of T Hill.