Chamber conducts annual board meeting

Thursday evening, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce conducted its annual meeting. Board President Greg Willson went over the goals of the Chamber and what they want to accomplish. He described the chamber as the “touch point” for the community, and they should think of themselves that way. He further explained the chamber should be the spot for information not only for tourists, but those considering moving here and business owners that want to learn more about other businesses.

In order to do that, Willson said, there has to be continued focus on the chamber’s strategic plan. Willson encouraged everyone to attend the strategic planning meetings when they happen, pointing out if it’s the same few people attending it will lead to the same ideas. Willson also encouraged participation on the committees from chamber members, as they are not limited to only board members.

Looking at statistics for March, Willson pointed out the large increases in tourist walk-ins and local walk-ins, compared to last year. Though there was a decrease in local phone calls, there was an increase in tourist phone calls. Willson said the increases show the push to make the chamber an information point have been somewhat successful.

A topic that saw a lot of discussion was the Hessenthaler billboard south of town. Board member Phillip Scheel reported the chamber is leasing the ground for the billboard from Kent Hessenthaler, and the chamber is in possession of the billboard itself.

Options have been discussed about what to do with the billboard, Scheel said. The first is to go through an attorney. He explained the chamber did enter a contract with the Hot Springs County Travel and Tourism Board. The board would be leased to Travel and Tourism, which would be a pass through to pay the expense of having the billboard on the Hessenthaler land and take on the responsibility of covering and maintaining the board.

Scheel further noted a request from the chamber that Travel and Tourism include the chamber logo somewhere on the board, which hasn’t happened. Travel and Tourism Director Amanda Moeller, who was present at the meeting, explained the chamber logo is not on the current billboard design as it is our Wyoming Office of Tourism sticker design, which has no logos.

Option two, Scheel said, is to determine if any local businesses would like to advertise on the board. The third option is similar, though it would involve engaging with a third market agency to provide a business with the advertising opportunity.

During further discussion of what to do with the billboard, Moeller said Travel and Tourism’s plan is to keep it vinyl, and to allow its use for advertising special events. She explained organizations could pay to advertise a special event and put a wrap for the ad around the billboard, which would help ensure the underlying design is unmarred.

Moeller further pointed out if Travel and Tourism is paying for the billboard, she wants to be able to choose what she wants on it.

Scheel, who has been on the chamber board for several years, said the billboard has always been something of a “bump in the road.” He pointed out there has been great progress in the joint workings of Travel and Tourism and the Chamber of Commerce, and he would hate to see this issue drive a wedge between the two organizations.

The matter of the billboard was eventually tabled, to allow the opportunity to present leasing options to the Travel and Tourism board.

Another big topic was the future of FedEx and UPS drop off and shipping service in town. With the Flying Eagle Gallery moving its location adjacent to the Wow Discount Store, it will no longer offer the service.

Several at the meeting noted the service is essential, and though it officially stopped at the gallery on Friday, Blair’s Market has taken it on, starting Wednesday.

In other action, Robin Griffin was approved as the chamber representative to the Hot Springs Economic Development Company board and Amanda Kraushaar was approved as a chamber board member. Prior to her appointment to the chamber board, Kraushaar introduced herself to the chamber, noting she worked with the HOPE Agency for several years, and is active with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Kraushaar also pointed out she is the assistant manager at Shopko, and they would like to have some representation on the board because they are part of the community and want to help out as much as they can.

Also during the meeting, Rush provided an update regarding the city maps. The maps will feature Thermopolis on one side and Hot Springs County on the other, with numbered points of interest such as businesses, attractions, landmarks and fishing access. Both maps will be outlined with advertisements from businesses that are sponsoring the maps.

Rush said she received an early result of the maps, and has been addressing issues that came up.

Rush also reported on the March 18 chamber banquet, noting the event brought in a profit of $2,954.68, topping the $1,311 budgeted. Willson encouraged anyone who is interested in being involved with the banquet might consider joining the banquet committee.