Chamber discusses fundraising options

During Thursday night’s meeting of the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce, board members looked at possible fundraisers for the fall and winter season.

A vacation getaway awarded via raffle was a popular idea, and one that has been done in the past. Greg Willson said it could be done one of two ways, either one large grand prize or first, second and third place trips. Initial location ideas for the trips included Jackson, Las Vegas or Deadwood, S.D. However, upon further discussion many thought it would be best to keep the trips within Wyoming.

Rush said she would take suggestions as to where the getaways could be and look into what package deals might be available. She’ll bring the information she gets to the October chamber meeting for further discussion, so ticket sales could begin in late October with the prizes awarded at the annual Chamber Banquet in March.

Other ideas for prizes included going on a buffalo hunt, visiting the state capitol and dining with Senator John Barrasso, tickets to a Wyoming Cowboys game or snowmobiling trips.

The board also discussed the Christmas promotion. Rush said in the past they’ve done 21 Days of Christmas, and during that event Hot Springs Travel and Tourism has provided $500 of the $1,000 given away; the other $500 is provided by retailers. This year, Travel and Tourism is not funding their half, Rush said, pointing out that she spoke to the Christmas Committee about using the balance in the 21 Days of Christmas Fund - $292.50.

A few years back, Rush said, it used to be that for every $100 people spent in Thermopolis they got a ticket into the Christmas prize drawing, done at the Meet and Greet at Pinnacle Bank in December. That showed how much was spent in town, an estimated $21,000 in just a few weeks. Rush added this would also be a great way to promote shopping local. A motion was approved to release the funds in the Christmas account.

Another topic addressed during the meeting was the board election process. Rush said there is currently a slate of three nominees – Kerri Mannig, Amanda Kraushaar and Lana Nicodemus. The public notice for applications was printed in the Sept. 7 edition of the Independent Record, and people had until Thursday, Sept. 21 to notify the chamber board they have an application filled out. It’s required that applicants have 10 chamber members in good standing sign off on their application for them to be on the ballot, but according to the bylaws if there are not five people or more on the ballot then the ballots don’t have to be sent out.

Rush further pointed out if there is no election there will be one vacancy seat which can be appointed later if necessary.

Rush also reported on the recent demolition derby, pointing out they are still waiting on a reimbursement, and they are waiting on bills with regard to the portable toilets and some advertising. As of the meeting, the profit was $15,300.99 for the event, with $18,733.54 in expenses and $34,034.53 in income in

Rush said there was excellent turnout, and several commented ours was one of the better run derbies in the Big Horn Basin, exemplified through the number of cars entered. There were 29 in the main heat, compared to the 12 at Worland’s derby. The Herby Derby saw six entrants and there were also 12 trucks, for a total 47 vehicles. Many entrants paid an additional $15 on top of the $75 entry fee per vehicle, to have extra people in the pits.

Rush also expressed appreciation to everyone who helped put the derby on. Next year’s event will see an increase in the prize money. While first place has been $1,000, Rush said the Demolition Derby Committee wanted to bring up sponsorship, so next year’s top prize will be $4,000.

Also with regard to sponsorship, Rush said a lot of the derby sponsors are oil fields and related businesses. With the economic downturn, sponsorship was down as well. Knowing that, she said, the event was still very successful though the projected budget was not hit.

It was noted during the meeting that the chamber will move to winter hours on Oct. 1, meaning the office will be closed daily 12:30-1:30 p.m. for lunch. The hours will likely be in place until May, Rush said.

Town of Thermopolis Liaison Bill Malloy expressed appreciation to the town employees and law enforcement for the work they do in preparing for and helping with events such as the solar eclipse and the demolition derby. Malloy also noted the recent chip sealing, and the upcoming installation of new playground equipment at Bicentennial Park.

Also during the meeting, the board took a look at the changes to the chamber website. Rush said it’s important for board members see the site, see what changes have been made and learn how to use it. The site can be viewed at thermopolischamber.org.

This week in Laramie, Rush is attending the Wyoming Working Together workshop, which brings together Main Street, Wyoming Economic Development Association and the Wyoming Chambers. Also attending are Shurie Scheel, Howie Samelson, Phil Scheel and Amanda Moeller.