Chamber discusses plans for Christmas parade

At the October Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting held at Big Horn Federal, during old business, CEO Meri Ann Dorman discussed their August 10 Demolition Derby. She said the derby “was not as profitable as previous years.” The number of trucks, contestants, and attendance were all less than previous events. The board also discussed the changing of rules to draw more cars and their drivers. However, parts are more expensive now and there are fewer derbies. The board also discussed that drivers are concerned they will not make any money by participating. Dorman expressed that the funds raised by the demolition derby go to pay for their office staff. The board will put the matter on the November agent for further discussion. 

Dorman and the board discussed the coming Moonlight Madness event on Thursday October 24. Dorman added that the costume judges are lined up and “everything is ready”. They will prepare about 250-300 goody bags. Moonlight Madness will be on Broadway Street between 4th and 5th Street. Dorman also asks that the public check their social media page on the day of October 24 for any potential location updates due to weather.

The board also discussed the State/Local Civic Bee. This event will involve Thermopolis Middle School students’ grades 6-8 who will write an essay to compete on a local level. Winners of the civic essay bee will then move onto the state level. Dorman said there is potential grant money to use for the contest. The bee will be in April next spring, possibly after spring break.

In new business, the chamber board discussed the coming Lighted Christmas Parade on December 7. Their street closure has been approved by the town council. The board also discussed how they are responsible for maintaining the decorations, checking the wires and bulbs. Dorman said they are looking for volunteers to help out with the decorations as it is a group effort. Additionally, the board discussed the possibility of decorating the Veteran’s Tree in Bicentennial Park using only red lights to honor the military. 

Dorman said that on October 30, there will be Workforce Training via Zoom that will discuss grant funding to educate your business while employees attend conferences. The specific time of the Zoom meeting will be determined later.

In the director’s report, Dorman said that on October 7-9 she attended the Wyoming Working Together Workshop in Rock Springs. Dorman said the event was “good” but had “low attendance.”

Regarding upcoming events, Dorman will attend the Leadership Academy on October 23-25 in Cheyenne/Torrington and the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce Spring Conference Proposal in Buffalo. 

Additionally, the chamber office will be closed for Christmas break on December 23-27.

The next Chamber of Commerce board meeting will be on November 14 at Big Horn Federal.