Chamber board plans to host Demolition Derby in 2025

At the December 12 Thermopolis-Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce board meeting, CEO Meri Ann Dorman and the board discussed the Demolition Derby and whether they would hold it next year or not. There were concerns about the lower attendance in 2024 and with fewer cars participating. Dorman said that they need to hit their budget number and there are worries about breaking even. The derby is a fundraiser for the Chamber.

Board member Bradyn Harvey responded that “people will show up anyway” and he suggested they “give it another year.” Also discussed were changes to the rules and finding ways to lower costs. After further conversation, the board decided to continue the derby in 2025 and test it out.

Dorman discussed the State/Local Civic Bee which will occur on April 6, 2025. They are looking for judges to review the student’s essays and they are looking for sponsors. The first place prize for the local competition is $500. The State first place prize is $1,000. The nation’s first place prize is $100,000. Dorman added that locally, each student will get a prize for their entry.

Next, Dorman and the board discussed the Thermopolis Got Talent event on February 2, 2025. For those who want to participate and compete, they must appear in person for an audition rehearsal on January 26. The deadline to sign up is on January 17 and applications are taken at the Chamber office. Dorman added that prize money will be coming from the Community Fund.

Dorman also handed out some papers for the board to discuss their annual SWOT analysis. This will be reviewed at the January meeting where they will break down the chamber’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats and then decide on their strategic plan based on this data.

The board voted and passed the approval to increase the rates for the 2025 City/County Map. 

The Leading with Excellence board training meeting has been moved from January to February 10. This board training is open to any board who wants to attend. It costs $25 for members and if there are three or more board members from a single board, they will do a cost adjustment discount. Lunch and snacks will be provided.

In new business, Dorman reported that the Merry Christmas Market was “going well”. For the first round of prizes, they received $7,000 in receipts. For the second round, they received $14,000 in receipts. 

Representing Main Street Thermopolis, Howie Samelson reported that they are beginning to plan the next Brewfest and that some of the downtown lights have been put back up.

In the Director’s Report, Dorman said that the Chamber Office will be closed for Christmas Break, December 23-27.

The next chamber meeting will be on January 9, 2025, at Big Horn Federal.