Chamber board discusses variety of topics

At the November 9 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting held at Big Horn Federal, during old business CEO Meri Ann Dorman said they “met and exceeded expectations” for their Chamber Banquet, October 7. Dorman also said they are “tweaking” their planning of the event and are looking at moving it to the spring. 

Regarding Moonlight Madness, which was on October 26, Dorman said “It was cold.” Due to the weather, they moved the costume contest to Broadway Bakery. They gave out gift bags to 194 kids. Last year they gave out 121. Dorman said the bakery was the “perfect size” to hold how many people participated. Storyteller also helped out by hosting Shailee Harvey’s photo booth. Central Bank and Trust judged the costumes. The Independent Record was not able to host their pinata bash. They donated the pinatas full of candy to local schools. 

The Lighted Christmas parade will be on December 2. Members of the community are encouraged to sign up to have a float in the parade. Dorman said they are looking into Santa and Mrs. Clause, joining the event so that kids and families can have pictures. 

In January, the chamber board will have their strategic plan and work session. During this meeting, they will discuss their SWOT analysis, which includes their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Dorman and the board discussed that they have had the same goals year after year and they “need a refresher”. Dorman is seeking the board’s input and wants to decide the goals and the dates to achieve those goals. Dorman also wants to go beyond one year with their goals. In the discussion, they considered asking an outside facilitator to help guide their explorations.

Dorman also said they are planning next year’s city and county maps. Dorman wants to have them out to the public before May 1. Chamber members can be on the maps.

The December 11 board meeting will be a Christmas celebration instead of a regular business meeting. Some business may be discussed. 

Dorman also discussed the Merry Christmas Market. Participants can shop starting the week of November 24. Participants turn in their receipt to the Chamber of Commerce for the possibility of winning $250 in Chamber Bucks. Anyone is able to participate. Dorman and the board also said that chamber board members can participate in the program as well because “We support local businesses like everyone else.” 

Dorman and the board discussed officer insurance, as they have to change companies. The board said they had no issue with the change.

Thermopolis Town Council Member Bill Malloy was present and gave a brief update. Malloy said, “The town is in very good shape,” adding that their finances show a lot of savings. He credited Town Clerk/Treasurer Tracey Van Heule for her work in managing the budgets and their recent audit. Malloy also said that they have new playground equipment in the Family Park and will add trees to it once the weather gets better. There was also a recent snow removal meeting with downtown business wonders where they discussed and heard ideas on how to make the process more efficient. Malloy also discussed the plan for the town to sign up with TextMyGov and to see if they will join the county or not. Additionally, Malloy covered the landfill issues and feral cats.

Dorman reported on behalf of Main Street Thermopolis and discussed their Love Local Campaign and they are adding more business every month to participate.

In the director’s report, Dorman said regarding the shooting complex task force process continues. The last RFPs will be due in March.

Also, the chamber offices will be closed December 23, 2023, until January 1, 2024. They are still accepting applications for office workers.