Chamber to host Meet the Candidate Forum Monday

At the July Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, CEO Meri Ann Dorman announced the chamber, in conjunction with the Farm Bureau Federation, will hold their Meet the Candidate Forum on Monday, July 22 at 6 p.m. at the middle school. Invitations to the candidates, national, state, and local, have been sent out. The event will also be livestreamed. 

In old business, Dorman discussed the July 7 Culpepper & Merriwether Circus and said that it was “successful” and “we appreciate the opportunity to bring another great, fun filled family event.” This circus was previously in Thermopolis two years ago.

Dorman also discussed the upcoming Demolition Derby on August 10 and the board training on September 12.

The board voted and passed the approval to update their Edward Jones signature cards for their investments.

In new business, Dorman and the board discussed their third quarter table tents and its impact. Also, regarding a new board member appointment, Tia Gillespie, operations officer of Central Bank & Trust, had submitted an application for the open spot. During a brief interview Gillespie said she wants to “get more out in the community” and that she “loves the businesses” in Thermopolis. Later, during discussion, the board voted and passed the approval to appoint Gillespie to fill the opening on the board.

Dorman announced the 2024 Get Out With Your Family Activity, where they will hide multiple stuffed buffalo dolls in various locations. The event is sponsored by a grant from the Wyoming Children’s Trust Fund and runs from July 15 through August 24.

Regarding the 2025 Weekend Worker Contract with Hot Springs County’s Travel & Tourism, Dorman is to meet with them to clarify the language in the contract before going forward. 

Dorman also gave an update from Main Street Thermopolis. Dorman said their June 1 Brewfest “was good” and that “the turnout was about the same as the previous year.” They sold about 300 mugs. 

In the Director’s Report, Dorman said about the shooting complex that they did not make it to the next round in the application process.

She added that the ones who succeeded further all already had land in their possession to be used potentially as the location for the proposed shooting complex. 

Dorman also said that the chamber has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Thrive Thermopolis board to provide administrative help.

The Wyoming State Chamber will be in town for a tour on September 9 to answer questions and the US Chamber will have a meeting on July 24 at 1:30 p.m. at the Chamber’s office. Their representative from Seattle is coming to meet and also answer questions.