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During their meeting last Thursday, July 11, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce spoke about the chamber’s eliminated seat from the Economic Development Company. Chamber Executive Director Meri-Ann Rush said the EDC board has gone from seven seats to four. Chamber board member Phil Scheel said the supporter member seats — of which the chamber was one — had been eliminated.
Scheel also expressed concern that the EDC could be gone within two years due to financial issues and lack of direction, unless something changes. Greg Willson said economic development is an important part of a community, and if the EDC goes away other organizations will have to step up to fill the need.
In board action, the strategic plan was renewed, with an addition. Rush explained at their last meeting they visited about increasing savings, and having that as a goal. To that end, she added “Increase savings to have a reserve minimum of 10 percent of the annual budget. Increase by $1,000 per year until minimum is reached” under the Operations heading in the plan.
Also at the meeting, Rush said there was a funding request to the Hot Springs County Commissioners in the amount of $7,500; the chamber was awarded $5,000. Rush attended the meeting, and the amount of the award was raised to $6,000.
Rush also noted that the chamber budget was done using the $5,000 figure, as that is what was received from the commissioners last year.
Parade committee members Shelly Burrows and Kerri Mannig unveiled the design for their float in honor of the chamber’s 100th anniversary. The float will be decorated at the old airport hangar on July 29.
Nomination forms were presented to chamber members, for Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce awards of Chamber Employee of the Year, Chamber Director of the Year, Chamber Board Member or Volunteer of the Year, and Chamber’s Best Business Member. Nominations have to be in by Aug. 1.
Also in regard to nominations, the chamber’s nomination committee was established. Rush explained the committee will go out and speak to those who are interested in being on the chamber board, then present a slate of nominees to the board at their August meeting.
Rush noted the analytics on the chamber website show that, in June, the site had 1,439 visitors — 1,310 of which were new — and they are averaging three page views per visits. The analytics also show there were 1,875 sessions on the site, for an average 1.30 sessions per user, and each session was about two minute on average.
Rush also reminded the board that the Wyoming Travel, Recreation, Wildlife and Cultural Committee will meet at Thermopolis Middle School July 22 and 23, beginning at 8:30 a.m. each day. Among the topics will be vendor contracts in the state park.
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