Chamber to help liaison cycling event

Monday night at the Thermopolis Chamber of Commerce meeting, the board approved a motion to get involved as a community liaison for the upcoming Cycle Yellowstone event on Sunday, Aug. 12.

Chamber Executive Director, Meri Ann Rush, said there will be 350 cyclists coming through. Starting in Cody, they will take the Gooseberry cutoff and stop at Wyoming Whiskey. Their headquarters will be the Fountain of Youth RV Park, and they are looking for an organization to be the community liaison.

Among the activities performed by the liaison are arranging shuttles and helping with meals. Cycle Yellowstone does pay for the shuttles, but needs the liaison to help set it up. Likewise, they have a caterer, but need volunteers to help. It would take about 10 to 15 board members to help out, Rush said.

Cycle Yellowstone is an event that would come through the area every three years, and organizers are looking at Thermopolis as a “stay over” site that would allow cyclists more time to do some sightseeing. Among the shuttle ideas were trips to the Wyoming Dinosaur Center and Legend Rock. Ideas for shuttles at Monday night’s meeting included using busses or, if necessary, personal vehicles. Rush noted maybe only a third, or about 100, of the riders would need shuttled.

Regarding the 2018 city/county maps, Rush said they are going very well. She plans to contact businesses she hasn’t.

In other action, Robin Griffin was re-appointed to the Economic Development Company (EDC) Board. The position has to be appointed annually.

Rush said the annual Chamber banquet is scheduled for March 24, and the theme this year is Dancing with the Stars. There will be live music, with Eric Kay performing during the social hour and after awards have been given out for citizen, business and non-profit of the year.

“It’s always a fun meeting,” Rush said.

Also coming up is the annual chamber board meeting on April 12. Rush wanted to make sure board members have that in the back of their minds.

Phillip Scheel reported on the EDC, noting they elected their slate of officers including Anthony Barnett for president, Brad Basse for vice president, Greg Willson for secretary and Shyla Buckner for treasurer. There are also a few more investment members, and they are finally getting all of the final payments from the sale of the business park.

Reporting for Thermopolis Town Council, Bill Malloy said the Police Department reported the flashing light signs posted on the highway and on 14th Street seem to be having an impact on the number of speeders coming through. Malloy further noted there has been some discussion about improving the Christmas lights, though cost is a big factor.

Rush also reported she recently attended the Winter Institute, and was amazed by the quality of speakers and presentations. She brought back some ideas she’s looking forward to sharing with the board.