Chamber discusses budget

At the June 8 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, during old business the board held a discussion about their budget and about increasing CEO Meri Ann Dorman’s salary. Board member Scott Alwin said he noticed there was no increase in Dorman’s salary from when they previously tabled the budget. Dorman responded with, “I personally do not feel comfortable increasing it on our balance sheet without knowing where the money’s coming from. And so I didn’t do it.” 

The discussion continued where Alwin suggested the possibility of setting up goals or benchmarks that they could meet. That would set up a bonus structure for Dorman and possibly additional employees. Board member Greg Willson made a motion to set up a subcommittee that would analyze Alwin’s idea. Board member Bradyn Harvey seconded the motion. During the discussion, they appointed Alwin, Willson, Howie Samelson and Karissa Nichols to be members of the subcommittee. The vote to form the subcommittee was unanimous and passed. 

In new business, the board election results were all four seats filled. There were no other petitions for the seats. Elected were Scott Alwin, Stephanie Mohr, Jana Oliver, and Howie Samelson for the terms of July 1, 2023 until June 30, 2026.

Regarding the election of the Executive Board, the members voted Shelly Burrows as President, Bradyn Harvey reelected as Vice President, Lana Nicodemus as Treasurer, and Jana Oliver as Secretary. 

The board also voted and passed the approval to add Sue Knighton’s signature to sign for Chamber Bucks. 

Howie Samelson, representing Main Street Thermopolis, reported about their recent Brewfest on June 3. Samelson said, “It was very successful.”  

In the director’s report, CEO Dorman discussed their grant services and the other entities are contacting them for help. President Howie Samelson said he was “glad” the Town of Thermopolis sought the Chamber for help in their grant writing.

Dorman also requested the board’s assistance in the possibility of creating a governance committee that would be used when the chamber “needed to take a stance” on a particular subject or issue and the committee would also provide Dorman advice when needed. No action was taken, but the matter is still in discussion.

Dorman also said they will repeat their Get Outside With Your Family this Summer 2023 and Win buffalo doll hunt activity. They will hide 10 buffalo dolls at various secret locations. The program is sponsored by Hot Springs County Public Health, the Department of Family Services, the Chamber of Commerce, with funds from the Children’s Trust Fund Grant. The program starts July 15 and runs until August 27. If you find a buffalo doll, turn it into the Chamber office and you will win $100 in Chamber Bucks. There are 17 secret locations within the county. 

The next Chamber meeting will be on July 13 at Big Horn Federal.