Travel and tourism meeting

At the February Hot Springs County Travel & Tourism board meeting, Treasurer Audra Dominguez was not able to attend. Therefore, Chairman Carl Leyba and Director Jackie Dorothy went over the financial report. The most recent lodging tax deposit was for $13,386.76, which was $3,689.40 more than the previous year or a 38% increase. This was also a recording breaking amount for the month. The board then reviewed the financial statements and budget. After discussion, the board voted and passed the approval to accept the financial report.

Jackie Dorothy gave the Director’s report and said under media, “The story of the 100 years of the Yellowstone Highway was on the first page of the Independent Record and interest is growing in this important milestone.”

Additionally, Dorothy said, “I met one-on-one with each local board member, and the meetings were beneficial. The priorities stated by each member were the same–advertising our county, which includes traditional advertising, promoting our events, completing the Welcome Sign and cleaning up our town. Having a clear plan and deadlines were also discussed. The Monday Updates have been a great benefit in sharing the weekly progress and I have received positive feedback on the reports. I met with Meri Ann Dorman as well, who shared a template the Chamber and Gottsche are now following for their strategic plans. It is a simple format that I believe would be a big benefit for us.”

Dorothy also said, “The Lodging Tax will be put on the ballot this November. We receive 2% from the Wyoming Legislators and so the vote is to get our additional 2% that we are allowed for Destination Marketing for a total tax of 4% for our local tourism marketing.”

In old business, the board discussed the digital sign and compared two different quotes. One quote was for $121,622.70, which was more recent. The older quote from 2021 was $116,598.00. The differences include rising costs and sizing. There was discussion of whether the sign should be double sided or single sided. They will continue exploring the specs and get an updated quote.

The board reviewed artwork for the map design of the 100th Anniversary of the Yellowstone Highway that goes through Wind River Canyon. The map is a work in progress and features several points of interest on the scenic byway. The board discussed making some changes to bring greater clarity. The cost for the design work is $1,068.

The board also discussed attending the Cheyenne Tourism Conference on February 25-27.

Director Dorothy also brought to the board’s attention a proposal from both the Shoshone and Arapaho Tribes wanting to hold a running a race through the Wind River Canyon for 13 miles. This race would start around the beginning of the canyon, approximately the tunnels or dam, and would end approximately at Rim Rock Drive. The duration of the race would be about 4-6 hours and might require the closure of the canyon for traffic, or possibly a single lane would be used for traffic. 

Dorothy noted that the Joint Counsel of both tribes approved this proposal. At this time, they are discussing when it might happen. The current proposed dates are Saturday June 8 or June 29. The event could bring in about 10,000 to 20,000 people and, if it is successful, the tribes would want to hold it every year. 

During discussion of the race, the board brought up safety concerns and possible conflict with the possible closure of traffic. However, one board member said, “It’s their land,” referring to the fact that the Wind River Canyon is on the reservation and the land belongs to the tribes. They also discussed positives for the proposed event. The race could bring in a lot of tourists and athletes from all over the county to come to Thermopolis. This would potentially bring in revenue to the town and also provide promotions of the area and its features. 

As the meeting continued, some board members had to leave due to an emergency, and they lost their quorum. No further action was taken and the remaining agenda items will be addressed later.