Update on electric vehicle charging stations

At the January Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, CEO Meri Ann Dorman updated the board about the proposed electric vehicle charging station and said that she is working with Kristen Gunther of Otterspace.

Dorman reported that according to Wyoming State Parks District Manager Brooks Jordan, the Chamber is not able to sublease from Hot Springs State Parks. However, Otterspace is in negotiations and could create its own contract.

One board member offered that they could become a concessionaire to qualify. Dorman added that if this negotiation is successful this would help Otterspace gain access to other state parks in Wyoming.

Regarding the Workforce Boot Camp, Dorman said “It’s coming along.” Dorman will visit the high school and middle school on Friday, January 20 to talk to the students about signing up for the employee etiquette training which is part of the Boot Camp. Dorman said she spoke with Barb Rice from the Youth Alternative program as well as this could be an opportunity for her kids for applying to jobs such as hospitality services. The six weeks Boot Camp will cover subjects such as professionalism, communication, enthusiasm, attitude, teamwork, networking, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Regarding the Merry Christmas Market Dorman reported that they had over $26,000 in receipts turned in with about 800 receipts total and that more businesses participated than last year.

Under new business, Dorman said they will send out ballots for the 2022 Business, Non-Profit Organization, and Citizen of the Year awards by February 1.

 Howie Samelson, representing Main Street Thermopolis, said the Brewfest event will be on June 3 and that the Great Til 8 program is on hiatus to evaluate whether it will continue or not. 

In the Director’s Report, Dorman said the succession planning started in December. Dorman has no plans of leaving her position, they are trying to prepare for whenever a transition might come. Dorman added that she gave all the information to Amber Powers who is guiding the process. This includes their procedures and policies all written down and making sure they were all up-to-date. 

The Chamber of Commerce Visitors Center has new hours. They are open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. The next chamber meeting will be on February 9 at Big Horn Federal.