How can Thermopolis survive?

We all know, or at least believe, that following the election, here in Thermopolis we’ll still all be friendly and civil to each other. The world will go on spinning, and day-to-day activities will continue unabated. It’s not like the whole thing is going to come screeching to a halt depending on whether certain initiatives pass or fail, or who gets elected to the office.

Life and livelihood will go on here, just as it will everywhere else. The livelihood of many — particularly those in the coal and oil industry — took a serious blow in recent years. Value per barrel is down over $12 per barrel, and production for gas has dropped by about a dollar per million cubic feet. Though these hits are certainly a detriment to the industry, we can’t forget there is more to Thermopolis — and the county.

At a recent Travel and Tourism meeting, it was reported that record receipts came in for August, an indicator that more people are coming to town and spending money; whether they are staying for a few days, in town to visit friends, watch a demolition derby or rodeo, or take a soak in the hot springs, they are spending money — money that stays here.

In the same vein, the Chamber of Commerce is also showing a positive trend with regard to the September accounts.

True, the oil, coal and natural gas industries could — and likely will — make a rebound, though it’s doubtful they would return to the thriving industries they were even a decade ago. For those determining budgets for the town and county, and the various organizations here, it means being good stewards of the money we have.

At the same time, it also means the public has to be good stewards in the community when it comes to the event, lest the tourism goes the way of gas and oil. While the main tourist season is over, it’s important to remember people still visit during the fall and winter months, for things like Oktobrewfest and the discounts available through the Keys to the City. As residents and business owners, it’s up to us to make sure their experience is a positive one which will lead to return visits from them and piqued interest from others they speak to. Let’s not lose another source of income and livelihood.