Chamber accepts strategic plan

During their regular meeting on Thursday, March 8, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce accepted its mission and value statements, as well as its strategies, as presented. The formal document will be presented to chamber members during the annual meeting on April 12. The annual meeting is open to all chamber members and the public.

According to the mission statement, the chamber is organized for acting as a community resource, promoting economic growth and tourism.

The chamber exists to support the community as an active, positive and innovative force. As a representative of its membership and community, it’s committed to act with responsibility and integrity, through collaboration by partnership between members, organizations and government entities, sustainability through good stewardship, embracing creative diversity and resources, and communicating exceptional qualities of the county to residents and visitors.

Strategies for the chamber include retention and expansion of membership by providing value and resources to existing members and showcasing benefits to attract new members, organization of staff, board and volunteers to serve the chamber mission and practicing good stewardship.

Also during the meeting, the chamber discussed the Gift of the Waters Pageant Parade. Chamber Executive Director Meri Ann Rush said she has heard some negative comments about the event, and posed the question as to whether it is worth having and if it a good use of resources for the turnout we have.

Rush noted there has been concern from the businesses, as the pageant weekend is not very busy downtown because of all the activity in the state park. As to the dancers performing at the flagpole on Broadway after the parade, Rush suggested they could perform in the park.

It was suggested during the meeting to get more businesses involved, and the consensus that the parade should be kept as many others have disappeared. There was also a suggestion to better connect the parade with the state park activities including the Big Horn Basin Folk Festival.

Rush also spoke to her recent attendance at the Governor’s Conference for Hospitality and Tourism, noting that they visit with the legislators which is always and eye-opener. Such visits, she said, help to remind people that we are here and our voices are heard, exemplified by the recent stand against privatization of the Wyoming Pioneer Home and Basin’s Wyoming Retirement Center.

Rush also attended Business Day at the Legislature as a member of the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce Board. Thermopolis will be hosting the State Chamber of Commerce convention April 25-27. Speakers will provide information on the Small Business Development Center, business emergency plans, transparency and the direction of the chamber.