Chamber discusses derby vendors

At the April 21 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce meeting held at Big Horn Federal, president Howie Samelson gave the annual report and described their chamber’s mission. Samelson said the chamber, “is organized for the purpose of acting as the community resource source, promoting economic growth and tourism as a community resource.”

They also reviewed the statistics of their growth and showed a 30% increase in memberships since 2013. 

The chamber members then voted for the 2021 best Citizen, Business, and Non-Profit Organization. The results of the voting will be announced at the Chamber Banquet in the fall.

In old business, the chamber addressed the nomination committee, which is a slate of six people. There will be a public notice sent out to highlight it. Ballots will be mailed on May 19 to all members in good standing 

Regarding the National Civics Bee, the chamber is extending the deadline until May 10. The chamber is trying to gain more interest. At the time of the chamber’s meeting, they received only three submissions.

In new business, the chamber discussed a change of location for their May 10 meeting. They discussed visiting the SonRise Grass Creek guest ranch, which is a 45-minute one-way drive heading out towards Cody. The chamber might carpool together to make the trip. 

Chamber CEO Meri Ann Rush discussed the demolition derby’s vendor fee, which is for $1,400. The fair board’s vendor fee is for beer sales and if the chamber pays the fee, it would allow them to send out bids to bars and pick a vendor themselves. This might allow them to gain some revenue. One of the chamber members made a motion to pay for the vendor fee and leave it to Rush to work with potential vendors. The motion was passed and approved. 

For the director’s report, Meri Ann Rush said that the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce Conference is May 4-6. Also, the National Main Street Conference will be May 12-19.

The chamber’s office hours are changing beginning May 2. They will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday through Sunday will be open from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.