Chamber board hears reports

At the November Thermopolis - Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, CEO Meri Ann Rush and the board continued their discussion about creating a succession plan when the CEO vacates the position. Rush emphasized that she has no plans of leaving her position, but making such a plan will “make the Chamber stronger”. President Howie Samelson added that the plan would involve structure and people and that they are moving forward with it.

In old business, Rush reported that the Chamber Banquet was “great” and that they surpassed what they budgeted. There were 138 dinners served.  

Regarding the wage reimbursement matter with Travel and Tourism, Rush said it will be discussed at the November tourism meeting. 

Rush also reported about the Moonlight Madness event that was on October 27. They had 200 gift bags ready and used 195. The previous year, they prepared 178 bags. Rush said it was a “very good event” and “well attended”. Rush also said that they have been awarded the grant for next year’s event by the Children’s Trust Fund. Rush reported that the Central Bank and Trust organized the scavenger hunt, the Independent Record held their annual pinata bash, and Shailee Harvey held the photo booth.

In new business, Hot Springs Health CEO Scott Alwin introduced himself to the chamber board. He is applying to fulfill Beth Lewis’s position that opened up.  

In December Rush said they will go over the chamber’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. In January, they will hold a two-hour meeting to discuss their strategic plan based on the information from their December meeting. 

The chamber’s Christmas parade will be on December 10 at 6 p.m. with the theme of Winter Wonderland. 

Rush and the board discussed their newsletters, whether they should be sent out via postal or digitally on an email list. There were pros and cons given for either method, ultimately they decided doing both is best.

Mike Sinclair, representing Hot Springs Travel and Tourism, discussed social media data with the chamber board.

Howie Samelson, representing Main Street Thermopolis, reported about the recent downtown cleanup and putting signs up in Bicentennial Park. They will be doing their Shop Small Saturday after Thanksgiving. Also, their Great Until 8 is still going on with a prize of $500 in Chamber Bucks for the winning receipt from local participating businesses.

In the director’s report, Rush said the Chamber office is closed from December 23, 2022, through January 2, 2023.

Additionally Rush said she spoke with a representative from OtterSpace about having an electric car charging station installed at the Chamber visitor’s center. Rush said that Mayor Chimenti was positive about the idea. Rush said that the charging station location would be within walking distance of the Hot Springs State Park. This idea will continue to be explored.