Chamber selects executive board

by Mark Dykes

Thursday evening, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce Board chose the executive board officers for 2016-17. Officers are President Greg Willson, Vice President Deb Tudor, Treasurer Tracy Linko and Secretary Robin Griffin. The four are also authorized signers on accounts.

Also presented at the meeting were board election results. Chamber Executive Director Meri Ann Rush noted the election was exceptional this year, as there was a 43 percent of the membership voting; Tudor noted in the past it’s been 20-25 percent. The four people elected were Tudor, Barb Heinze, Phillip Scheel and Willson.

Willson read a letter of resignation from former Secretary/Treasurer Cherrie Wychgram, who expressed her continued support for the board and her faith in the community, the Chamber and the businesses. She noted additional responsibilities in her life would not allow her the time to dedicate to the board.

Also with regard to the board, Willson pointed out the term for the school representative members — Stevie Ann Jellis and Dood Jaussaud, each having served two years — is up. Rush said she did send a letter to the school board to inform them it’s time for nominations for the positions, and was informed they are currently in the process of accreditation, so nominations are expected in November. The board will recognize Jellis and Jaussaud at the Chamber banquet.

Concerning financials for September, Rush noted the beginning balance was $8,559.06, and the ending balance is $9,479.84. This positive change results from $7,527.90 in debits, $9,292.98 in credits and $844.30 in outstanding checks. Looking at the events account, which begins with a cushion of $5,000, the ending monthly balance is $23,584.81. This includes: $104.36 from the 2016 fireworks, $242.50 from the 2015 21 Days of Christmas, -$81.43 from the 2016 People of the Earth, $6,914.50 from Friends of Hot Springs State Park/Legend Rock, $15,653.08 from the Demolition Derby and -$4,248.20 from outstanding checks. Rush noted the billing for People of the Earth is about 2-3 months behind, and the overall budget for the fiscal year is on track.

Rush also provided an update regarding Chamber Master, noting the Chamber files are currently being converted and she hopes to be using Chamber Master by early November. She said it would take a few additional months to where she is comfortable working with it. Chamber Master will be utilized when the new Chamber website launches in November.

With regard to the Christmas Committee, Rush said there would be a committee meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the Chamber Office. She noted there would be three different days of cash giveaways, and businesses had until Oct. 14 to sign up. She further explained on Saturday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m. there will be a drawing for $200 in Chamber Bucks; the following Saturday, Dec. 3, the drawing will be at 2 p.m., for $300 in Chamber Bucks, and Saturday Dec. 10 will have a 2 p.m. drawing for $500 in Bucks. Drawings are scheduled to be at Bi-Centennial Park, and people must be present to win.

Tickets will be provided by participating businesses, for purchases made beginning at Moonlight Madness, Oct. 27.

Rush said the annual banquet is coming up quick, and is scheduled for March 18. She noted meetings start happening now, to make sure committees are set and everything is ready to go for the night of the event.

Willson presented a report regarding economic development, noting the recent brownfields workshop was well attended with plenty of ideas regarding properties that might be revitalized or cleaned up, and funding sources that could be used for such projects.

The Economic Development Company is currently looking at what the next big project is, Willson said, adding that for the longest time the business park was something like a “Sword of Damocles” hanging over their head. The Wyoming Dinosaur Center bought the business park for its new location earlier this year. Willson said there’s been a lot of talk in the EDC about alignment with the County, Town and Main Street, to make sure these organizations are effective and working together.

Tudor noted the 2016 Christmas ornaments are available, and feature the former Thermopolis Steam Laundry building. The ornaments have a ribbon for hanging from the tree, as well as a stand so they can be put on display. Ornaments are available at the Chamber Office and local businesses.

Tudor also reported Oktobrewfest went off well, even though it was raining. A meeting is planned to decide what to do at future ‘fests should the weather be uncooperative.

Rush said the Chamber, on Nov. 15, would host the Regional State Chamber of Commerce meeting, which will feature executives from Big Horn Basin Chambers of Commerce. She said the regional meetings are beneficial, as they allow for the executives come together and share their issues and achievements. Rush noted she would be out of the office Nov. 23-29, and asked for help for Shop Small, as it is a kickoff to the holiday season.