Chamber board discusses upcoming events

At the May 16 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, they were unable to have a quorum, therefore CEO Meri Ann Dorman and attending board members held discussion and took no actions. 

In old business, they discussed the board election where they put a notice in the Independent Record asking for members to apply. However, there were no responses given, and the three slated board officials were entered by default. Also, there is a fourth opening that still remains. In the June meeting, the new board will vote for the executive board members.

Upcoming events were discussed including the Culpepper & Merriwether Circus coming to town on July 7 with shows at 2 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The Pageant Day Parade will be on August 3 with the theme “Let’s Get Along.” Also, the Demolition Derby will be on August 10.

In new business, the board discussed their 2024-2025 Investment Schedule, which goes into effect July 1. They proposed the fees to be the same as last year and will address this during the next board meeting. The board also got a preview of the 2024-2025 budget, also to be addressed and approved in the next board meeting in June.

Dorman reported that she met with the Hot Springs County Travel & Tourism board on May 15. She is in the process of getting a contract with them to pay for her summer office staff for the proposed amount of $5,000.

Regarding upcoming events, there will be a ribbon cutting ceremony for Edward Jones on May 21 at 4 p.m. The Business After Hours will be at Central Bank & Trust on May 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hot Springs State Park. Also, board training will be on September 12.

The board also discussed the possibility of holding a fundraising event through a talent show. They plan on forming a subcommittee to continue their exploration of the matter.

Tourism Director Jackie Dorothy was present and gave a report about their board’s activities, which include their work on setting up a digital sign south of town. Dorothy also said their lodging tax revenue collected from tourists using hotels, motels, and short-term rentals had increased by 25% since 2019. Additionally, the tourism board hosted the Wind River Visitors Council with 30 participants touring the Hot Springs County and town areas.

In the Chamber’s Director report, Meri Ann Dorman said that they will submit another RFP on June 30 for the Shooting Complex Task Force. Dorman also discussed her trips on April 22-24 to the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce Spring Conference and the May 2-9 National Main Street Conference in Birmingham, Alabama.

The Chamber’s next meeting will be on June 13 at 6 p.m. at the Hot Springs State Park for a family BBQ. Dorman said to bring salads and drinks and it will be a quick meeting.

The board also made a surprise announcement at the end of the meeting that on Sunday, June 9 at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. they will celebrate Meri Ann Dorman’s 50th birthday at Candy Jack Park in conjunction with Dave and Kathy Hammond’s 50th wedding anniversary.