Chamber report

On September 8, the Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce held its board meeting at Big Horn Federal. In old business Chamber, CEO Meri Ann Rush said the income for the demolition derby event was “higher than anticipated” and they are waiting for final expenses to come in. Rush added, “The derby was good.”

Also, discussed Rush said there was a theft of welding leads at the fairgrounds during the derby. One of the board members said that the derby was on a Saturday but the theft was reported on Wednesday. Rush added that their insurance does not cover theft. The cost of the leads is about $450. 

The Chamber Banquet is on October 1 at the fair building which starts at 5:30 p.m. Rush said “their plans are coming together” and they are working out their bucket prize items. Rush added the prizes are getting “better and better.” 

Mandy Fabel is the keynote speaker.

Regarding wage reimbursement with the Hot Springs Travel and Tourism Board, Rush said that she and Chamber President Howie Samelson attended their August 17 meeting. At that meeting Rush read to the board an email she sent but the board had yet not heard regarding their contract.

Rush reported that Tourism Chairman Carl Leyba told them they would discuss the contract during their executive session and get back to them the following day. However, Rush said that they are still waiting for them to respond. 

Under new business, the chamber will hold the next Meet the Candidates event on September 26 at 6 p.m. at the Thermopolis Middle School. Range will live stream the event. 

The Chamber’s Lunch and Learn is started back up and will be on October 18 at the Bistro in their backroom. Travis Winger of Edward Jones Investments will be presenting the discussion. 

Moonlight Madness will be on October 27. Rush reported that last year they had over 250 kids participating and this year they plan on stuffing 300 bags. Funding is coming from the Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund. Rush also said that employees from Verizon will be judging the event.

Rush also reported that the estate of Gwenda Urbigkit has left some money to the chamber since her passing. The chamber board discussed options on what to do with the fund and they expressed their gratitude for Urbigkit’s generous gift. The chamber board voted and passed approval to use the money as an endowment for the chamber. Rush noted that Urbigkit’s gift had no earmarks attached to it. 

On behalf of Main Street Thermopolis, Howie Samelson reported that their Great Til 8! program is going well. Samelson also said their movie night will be on again on September 18 at 7:45 p.m. located at the grassy area between Pinnacle Bank and Steve’s Plumbing. The film will be Zootopia. 

In the Director’s Report, Rush said that she will attend the Wyoming Working Together Workshop on September 28-30 in Sheridan. Also, in Sheridan will be the Main Street Workshop on September 27.

Rush also announced that the Chamber’s office hours are changing. New hours will be Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.-5 p.m. starting September 26.

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