Citizen, business, non profit of the year named

The Chamber of Commerce held their annual banquet at the Fair Building this Saturday, October 1.

The guest speaker was Mandy Fabel, Executive Director for Leadership Wyoming. Mandy has spent her career at the intersection of leadership, business, and adventure. She is passionate about helping others develop their own leadership style while breaking down the barriers that often divide. Mandy leads the premier professional development program in the state of Wyoming, Leadership Wyoming. She is also an avid outdoorswoman with a passion for rock climbing, mountain biking, snowmobiling, and hunting.

The 2021 Business of the Year award winners were Thermopolis Petro & Tire and Kirby Creek Mercantile.

Thermopolis Petro & Tire's Marv and Barb Nielsen purchased the Amoco Bulk from Jack Skelton in October 1973. In 1976, they purchased the gas station from Amoco. They continued to operate both until selling the bulk plant to Murdoch's Oil of Greybull and their daughter and son-in-law, Tom and Cindy Sullivan, took over the station in 2013, going independent and renaming it Thermopolis Petro & Tire. Currently operating as a service station and tire shop selling gasoline & diesel, oil changes, tire sales, and tire repairs.

Kirby Creek Mercantile's Phillip & Shurie Scheel and partners Bradyn & Shailee Harvey purchased the building in May 2019 and opened in January 2020. They provided a diverse business offering a full bakery and a place for local artists to display their goods. 

The 2021 Non-Profit Organization of the Year award winner was the Hot Springs County Museum & Cultural Center. In 1929, early Hot Springs County residents formed the Hot Springs County Pioneer Association to preserve the history of Thermopolis and Hot Springs County. In 1938, they set their sights on developing a museum. Due to a lack of funding, the county took over the museum. In 1967, a fire damaged the museum, which was located where Ralph Witter's Elementary School is located. In 1976, the county purchased the old garage building at 700 Broadway and moved the collection there.

The 2021 Citizen of the Year award winners were Lloyd & Joan LaFave and Ray & Carol Shaffer.

In 2019, when Lloyd & Joan LaFave retired, they moved to Thermopolis, built a house, and decided to get involved in the community to help people. They have been involved in Main Street Thermopolis, Backpack for Kids, Hot Spot Car Rally, Friends of the Library, Hot Spot Quilt Retreat, and the HSC Senior Citizen Center.

Ray Shaffer is a 4th generation native of Wyoming and Hot Springs County. He and Carol have been married for 35 years and have lived on the North 40 Ranch, north of Thermopolis, for the past 40+ years. Carol worked for 24 years for Messenger & Jurovich Law Firm and Ray worked 30 years for the HSC Road and Bridge Department. Currently, they serve on different boards, and in their spare time, they spend it with friends in the pinocle club, cookie jar auctions, Bible studies, historical research and tours, family reunions, and dining out. 

The 2021 President's Award winner was given in recognition of the many volunteers who have helped and contributed to the community and their importance in making events happen.