Chamber of Commerce Volume 21 Issue 9
NEWSLETTER
September 2015
August Red Carpet Award—Mike Frink & Gay Collar Mike Frink and Gay Collar with Sweetwater Trophies were nominated for Augusts' Red Carpet Award by Juanita S. Juanita had this to say about Mike and Gay, “Their family service is outstanding, timely, and always done in an artistic manner. Great items for sale! Friendly service—they go out of their way to help. Lovely place!” Mike and Gay each received a $15 Gift Certificate, a Red Carpet Pin, as well as other advertising. They will be entered in the Red Carpet of the Year Award for 2015 to be presented in 2016.
Pictured (L-R): Mike Frink, Chamber Board Member Jeremy Gibson, and Gay Collar.
Lunch and Learn - “Providing Networking Opportunities” THE HAMPTON INN September’s Luncheon will be held on Wednesday the 16th at noon at the Hampton Inn in Green River. We will hear from City Administrator Reed Clevenger and other city officials who will be presenting the “State of the City”. The Hampton Inn will be catering. At Augusts' Luncheon, we heard from Melanie Hutchinson about the Back Pack Program and Mike Moody with the Aquatic Center. The winners from July’s Lunch and Learn were as follows: Steve Perry with Aspen Medical Center won the quarter page ad in our Newsletter; Angela Wilson with Brokerage Southwest won the free flyers for our Newsletter; Jason Grubb with the Sweetwater County Library won the business profile in our Newsletter; Reed Clevenger with the City of Green River won free radio ads; Reed Clevenger won the 50/50 raffle, Reed donated his winnings to the back pack program—thank you Reed! We do ask that you RSVP for each Luncheon to the Green River Chamber at 307875-5711 or email
[email protected] or
[email protected] by Monday, September 14th by 10:00 AM. If you know by September 14th that you will not be able to attend, please let us know and you will not be invoiced. Lunch will be $12 for Pictured above: Mike Moody and Melanie Hutchinson. members and $15 for non-members. We would like to thank everyone who attended our August Lunch & Learn! The Lunch and Learn Networking Program is held the third Wednesday of every month at noon, now held at the Hampton Inn in Green River and will be catered by local restaurants; please RSVP to the Lunch & Learns by the Monday before. Mark your calendars ahead and watch for guest speakers! Not only will you be able to network, you can submit your business card in the raffle for free advertising. You can also find dates and locations on our website www.grchamber.com or go to our Facebook page—Green River Chamber.
YOUR BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY ADVOCATE 1155 W. Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935 307-875-5711 FL-GORGE www.grchamber.com Published monthly to serve members in business and community needs
Page 2
~ Green River Chamber Newsletter ~
Don’t tell me you got nothing to do!
September 2015
Information Distributed
July/August 2015 The weather is still warm, go out and enjoy a day at the Sand Dunes, the Flaming Gorge, or a day of fishing! Relocation Packets 8 It’s Football Season! Head over to the Red Feather to watch Vacation Packets 1 the games this season! Convention Packets
200
Enjoy a walk along the Green Belt, watch all the fall colors Wyoming Pins start blooming around town!
Year to Date 68 46 1175
0
0
City of Green River Pins
10
130
As a Member of the Green River Chamber:
Gift Certificates
898
4,830
You receive a free business listing on our website. You can include business location, phone number, website link, pictures, video and more! Contact the GR Chamber to learn more.
Dollar Amount
$19,259.50
Expedition Academy Ribbon Cutting
On Monday, August 10th the Green River Chamber in conjunction with Sweetwater County School District #2 held a Ribbon Cutting for Expedition Academy to celebrate their new location at 410 Upland Way. Thank you to all of our community members for attending Expedition Academy’s Ribbon Cutting to welcome them to their new location!
$134,393.28
Brochure Racks
2,355
10,254
Chamber Kiosk
1,478
10,027
Walk Ins
3,259
12,170
Web Site Hits
48,901
338,211
Web Site Sessions
3,319
14,507
E-Mails
826
5,110
87
1,528
New Facebook Likes
Sales Tax Disbursements–July 2015 County $1,727,472 Green River $786,931 Rock Springs $1,520,060 Lodging Tax Sweetwater County –July 2015 County $5,944 Green River $5,635 Rock Springs $81,950 Labor Force Employment Sweetwater County June 2015 22,085 May 2015 22,198 June 2014 22,498 Unemployment Sweetwater County June 2015 1,086 May 2015 1,006 June 2014 1,002
Pictured above: Community members, Sweetwater County School District #2 Board Members, School District Staff, and elected officials pose for a picture in front of Expedition Academy’s new location.
Chamber Board of Directors and Staff
Statewide Employment June 2015 302,607 May 2015 295,798 June 2014 298,960 Statewide Unemployment June 2015 12,416 May 2015 11,722 June 2014 13,118
Board of Directors: Patricia Gregory, Oak Tree Inn ~ President Angela Shutran, US Bank ~ Vice President Joanna Nara-Kloepper, BLM ~ Secretary Tom Arnold, Arnold Family Chiropractic Center ~ Hole in the Wall Gang President ~ Treasurer Blair Graham, Krazy Moose Jason Bartlett, Solvay Misty Springer, Public Affairs & Grants Administrator, City of Green River Curg Murray, Gorge Rock Products
Kelli Lennon, Green River Import Plus Allan Wilson, City Council Liaison Tammy Vaught, Radio Network Linda Martin, SWC School District #2 Jeremy Gibson, Trona Valley Federal Credit Union Staff: Rebecca Eusek, Executive Director Lisa Herrera, Finance and Membership Manager Destinee Rael, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist
Chamber Mission Statement: The Green River Chamber of Commerce is committed to enhancing the community through advocacy and partnership between businesses and community leaders.
September 2015
~ Green River Chamber Newsletter ~
Page 3
September/October Sunday
Monday
Tuesday 1 City Council, 7pm
Wednesday 2
3
GR Farmer’s Market (Uinta)
RS Farmer’s Market (Downtown)
Horseshoe Pitching, 6pm (EC)
7 Labor Day GR Chamber Closed
Sweetwater County Downs Horse Racing, 12:30pm (EC)
RS Motocross Meeting, 6:30pm (EC)
Friday 4
Saturday 5
Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing, 12:30pm (EC)
Thursday Night Bike Ride, 6pm (Parking Lot B, GR)
Southwest Wyoming BMX Race, 6pm (EC)
6
Thursday
Sweetwater Downs Horse Racing, 12:30pm (EC)
Govt. Affairs, 8am
HIWG, 7pm
8
9
Horseshoe Pitching, 6pm (EC)
GR Farmer’s Market (Uinta)
10
Southwest Wyoming BMX Race, 6pm (EC)
11
12
4H Horse Development, 6:30pm (EC)
Wyoming State Motocross Championships (EC)
Wyoming State Motocross Championships (EC)
Bus. Dev. & Ret. Meeting, 8am
Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser, 7pm (EC)
Mustang Versatility, 9am (EC)
Board Meeting, 7:30am (VC)
13
14
Wyoming State Motocross Championships (EC)
15
16 Lunch & Learn, 12pm (Hampton)
Horseshoe Pitching, 6pm (EC) Southwest Wyoming BMX Race, 6pm (EC) Hotdoggers 4H Meeting, 7pm (EC)
17
18
19
RS Farmer’s Market Sweetwater (Downtown) Speedway Dirt Track BINGO Block Party Racing, 7:30pm (EC) (Eagle’s Parking Lot) Thursday Night Bike Wyoming NBHA Ride, 6pm (Parking Finals, 5pm (EC) Lot B, GR) Southwest Wyoming BMX, 6pm (EC)
Monster Truck Show (EC)
Sweetwater Speedway Dirt Track Racing, 7:30pm (EC)
24
26
Wyoming NBHA Finals, 9am (EC)
City Council, 7pm
20
21
Wyoming NBHA Finals (EC)
27
Roller Derby Practice, 5:30pm (EC)
28 Roller Derby Practice, 5:30pm (EC)
22
23
Horseshoe Pitching, 6pm (EC) Southwest Wyoming BMX Race, 6pm (EC) Hotdoggers 4H Meeting, 7pm (EC) Sweetwater County Fair Board Meeting, 7pm (EC)
29
Roller Derby Practice, 5:30pm (EC)
Power of Pink Barrel Race (EC)
5
Southwest Wyoming BMX Race, 6pm (EC)
30
Southwest Wyoming BMX Race, 6pm (EC)
6 Roller Derby Practice, 5:30pm (EC)
Roller Derby Practice, 5:30pm (EC)
Ride Em High 4H Ride Night, 6pm (EC) RS Motocross Meeting, 6:30pm (EC)
2
1 Thursday Night Bike Ride, 6pm (Parking Lot B, GR)
3
Power of Pink Barrel Race (EC)
Power of Pink Barrel Race (EC)
Govt. Affairs, 8am
HIWG, 7pm
7
8
City Council, 7pm Hotdoggers 4H Meeting, 7pm (EC)
Sound Chasers Concert (EC)
Thursday Night Bike Ride, 6pm (Parking Lot B, GR)
Hotdoggers 4H Meeting, 7pm (EC)
4
25
Roller Derby Practice, 5:30pm (EC)
Thursday Night Bike Ride, 6pm (Parking Lot B, GR) 4H Horse Dev. Meeting, 6:30pm (EC) Bus. Dev. & Ret. Meeting, 8am
9 2nd Annual Tattoo Convention (EC)
10 2md Annual Tattoo Convention (EC)
Page 4
~ Green River Chamber Newsletter ~
September 2015
14th Annual River Festival The 14th Annual River Festival was held on August 14th and 15th, 2015 with the majority of the events taking place on the historical Expedition Island. The event was held in conjunction with Art on the Green. Overall participation exceeded 4,000 participants from all over Wyoming and 24 different States and Canada. Over 150 people competed in the Run with the Horses Marathon. There were 15 Hand Craft Vendors, two food vendors, two shaved ice vendors, two bands, 900 pounds of shrimp, a Micro-Brew Garden, Corn hole, Ladder Ball, several Kids Games, Fireworks, a Duck Race, the Run with the Horses Marathon, Green Belt Mountain Bike Poker Run, a River Walk, Dog Fetching Competitions, a Dog Show, and a Car Show. There was plenty of entertainment for all ages! We would like to thank all of our volunteers and all of our sponsors for the 14th Annual River Festival; without them, this event would not have happened! Marathon Winners: Women’s 10K: 1st place Brenda Gray of Rock Springs, WY 46:49.3; 2nd place Jessie Ray O’Neal of Rock Springs, WY 48:49.7; 3rd place Kristine Maggi of Green River, WY 51:29.2. Men’s 10K: 1st place Lain Mitchelson of Farson, WY 44:57.3; 2nd place Reijo Koivusaari of Green River, WY 48:50.4; 3rd place Adam Harlow of Green River, WY 51:53.3. Men’s Half Marathon: 1st place Daniel Corbin of Bozeman, MT 1:45:47.2; 2nd place Mark Wallace of Mills, WY 1:46:07.9; 3rd Pictured above: Christopher Gregplace Zachery Mauritz of Tatlersville, UT 2:02:38.1. Women’s Half Mara- ory of Westminster, CO who took 1st place in the Men’s Marathon. thon: 1st place Lynn Malie of Denver, CO 1:50:58.8; 2nd place Gina Harvey of Green River, WY 2:04:42.8; 3rd place Lindsey Hanks of Casper, WY 2:05:06.1. Men’s Marathon: 1st place Christopher Gregory of Westminster, CO 3:04:51.6; 2nd place Jason Crompton of Rock Springs, WY 3:20:09.8; 3rd place John Fenton of Norwood, OH 3:43:48.7. Women’s Marathon: 1st place Julie Seymour of Rock Springs, WY 3:54:55.7; 2nd Pictured left: Michael Teter of Golden, place Bekki Manville of Colorado Springs, CO 4:17:57.1; 3rd place Julie CO and his kids running him to the Parker of Sammamish, WA 4:34:09.3. finish line! Biking on the Green Poker Run had 15 participants. The Car Show had 33 entries. Duck Race Winners: 1st place winner was Chris Ortega, she won John Wesley Fowl River Festival Mascot and $250; 2nd place winner was Jerry Hunter who won $100; 3rd place winner was Debbie Watry who won $50; 4th place winner was Brian Taylor who won a plush duck; and 5th place winner was Ryan Smith who also Pictured: Chris Ortega, wo n a 1st Place winner of the p l u s h Duck Race. duck. The Dog Fetching contest had 9 participants for the River Fetch and 12 participants in the Land Fetch. Winners of the River Fetch were as follows: 1st place Abbie with owner Phil Pyzyna; 2nd place Hoover with owner Jim Schmidt; 3rd place Sadie with owner Justin Conder. Winners of the Land Fetch were as follows: 1st place Indie with owner John Ritter; 2nd place Chief with owner Frank Lake; 3rd place Harley with owner Jerry Georgis.
River Walk Seedskadee Trout Unlimited had another successful year hosting our Riverwalk. We like to say we put the river back in Riverfest. There were over 60 participants complete all the stations. It was down considerably from last year. We attribute that to that fact that we started the event earlier this year in an attempt to beat the heat. We had eight stations this year, down from eleven last year. We purposely cut the distance and the amount of stations but it still took over two hours on average to complete the activity. That shows that people were very engaged in learning. We couldn’t have done it without our dedicated partners. A huge thank you goes out to our Wyoming Game and Fish Department. They ran four of the stations: Fish Obstacle Course, Fish on the Green River, Aquatic Invasive Species, and Wildlife & Riparian Areas stations. The Green River Fire Department was out in force at the Water and River Safety Station. The Seedskadee National Wildlife Refuge taught about Migrating Birds and Riparian Areas. They brought with them six volunteers from the Conservation Corp. Our Seedskadee Trout Unlimited helped people identify aquatic invertebrates. The Wyoming Wildlife & Natural Resource Trust ran the invasive species Scavenger Hunt and donated two back packs that were given away as door prizes. Mike Babcock won the hat, water bottle and jacket donated by the Muley Fanatics Foundation. The Riverfest Committee allowed us to present the Grand Prize at our event which consisted of an all-day Whitewater float and one night stay at the Wind River Casino. Aja Witt, of Green River, won that.
September 2015
~ Green River Chamber Newsletter ~
Thank you to our 2015 River Festival Sponsors. This event would not be possible without your support!
Page 5
Shift Change Statue Unveiling
Email Marketing Seminar Thursday, September 24th Western Wyoming Community College Green River Campus JWP Room, 6pm No Charge for Members of the Green River and Rock Springs Chamber! Attention Retailers! Holiday Promotion Luncheon
On Friday, August 14th, the Green River Arts Council unveiled the bronzed life size statue “Shift Change” that will be placed at the Retailers are invited to promote their business at the November Holiday Promotion Lunch & Learn. November’s Luncheon will be Mining Memorial Park. The life size statue was sculpted by Bryan held on Wednesday, November 18th at Noon at the Hampton Inn. If Cordova. you would like to promote your business, any products, events, or specials for the holiday season, please contact the Green River Chamber of Commerce at 307-875-5711. Space is limited!
You may purchase a brick or paver from the Arts Council and have your own or your loved ones name permanently displayed at the Mining Memorial Park. You can purchase a paver at the GR Chamber. Pictured Above: Bryan Cordova, artist, and Jeiremy Gomez of the Green River Arts Council stand in front of the “Shift Change” sculpture.
Page 6
~ Green River Chamber Newsletter ~
Tickets for Sale
September 2015
Red Carpet Nominations— “Promoting the Community”
Sweetwater County Concert Association Membership Packs Mike Frink and Gay 2015-2016 Concert Season Membership is available. Adults are Business: Sweetwater $45, Seniors 60+ are $35, students in HS and under are $25, famTrophies ily 2A and 1+child is $110. Cash or check will be accepted. Why: Their family service is outstanding, timely, and The Guess Who always done in artistic Boys and Girls Club 4th Annual Benefit Concert. Friday, September manner. Great items for 11th, 2015. 7:00 PM at the Sweetwater County Events Complex. sale! Friendly service-they $40 in advance, $45 at the gate. Cash or check will be accepted. go out of their way to help. Lovely place! YWCA Celebrating Women High Tea Nominated by: Juanita S. Saturday, October 10th at the Expedition Island in Green River, 2:00-4:00 PM. Tickets are $20. Cash and check will be Deb Durain accepted. Business: Ace Hardware Why: Good customer service. Nominated by: Albert Reyes
New Members—Welcome! Farm Bureau Financial Services/Amber Zmolek Agent 400 North 1st East Street, Suite 113 Green River, WY 82935 P: 307-875-7300 F: 307-875-7307 Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 AM-5:00 PM Farm Bureau Financial Services offers insurance for homes, auto, business, life, and investments. Farm Bureau Financial Services helps people of character protect their family. Hill Top Baptist Church 405 Faith Drive Green River, WY 82935 Phone: 307-875-6100
Jodi Schultz Business: Krazy Moose Why: Excellent service! Nominated by: Thomas Webb Hannah Smith Business: Taco Time Why: Being Amazing at customer service. Nominated by: Mindy Byrd
Renewals —Thank You! August Renewals 2015 Business Name
Years
Byrd’s Car Wash
3 Years
300 ift $ G na Wi mber ate! a c Ch ertifi C
Mark Leo Business: China Garden Why: Mark and his family and staff are always friendly, ready to help, and they work hard to satisfy their guests needs and appetites. Nominated by: Debbie Oehler
If you would like to nominate someone who works for any business in Green River, please visit our website at http://www.grchamber.com/ pages/RedCarpetAward and fill out the entry form or contact the Chamber for any questions at 307-875-5711.
Flaming Gorge Way After Hours BINGO Block Party The Green River Chamber would like to invite all of our members to join us for a Block Party. Enjoy refreshments, beverages, and enter to win $300!! Thursday, September 17th 5:30-7:00 PM Eagle’s Parking Lot 88 N 2nd E Green River, WY
Pick up your Bingo card that night or in advance at the Chamber or print one off at www.grchamber.com Visit our website for more details
September 2015
~ Green River Chamber Newsletter ~
Page 7
State of the Art Digital Sign!
AFFORDABLE ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES! The Green River Chamber's BRAND NEW state of the art digital sign has been installed and is up and running. Located at the intersection of Uinta Dr. and Flaming Gorge Way, over 7,000 cars pass the sign every day according to traffic statistics provided by the Wyoming Department of Transportation! The digital sign can be used as a dynamic advertising tool for your businesses. The Chamber is offering advertising opportunities at an affordable and discounted rate for our members. To learn more about the advertising opportunities on the digital sign, please contact the Green River Chamber of Commerce at 1155 W Flaming Gorge Way or email Destinee Rael at
[email protected]. If you would like information on the Rates and Tips, please contact the Green River Chamber at 307-875-5711. View our rates below: Electronic Billboard Rates: Businesses:
Week
Month
Year
Member
$30
$100
$1,000
Non-Member
$45
$150
$1,500
Member
$20
$60
$600
Non-Member
$30
$100
$1,000
Non-Profit/Individuals:
Kitchen Safety
2015 Sweetwater County Photo Contest Winners The summer is almost over and so alas, is BBQ season. As all of your cooking begins to move back indoors, the City of Green River’s Fire Department wants you to stay safe. People in the United States are more likely to experience a fire in their home than anywhere else. According to research conducted by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), one out of three home fires begins in the kitchen.
We had over 75 entries into the Sweetwater County Photo Contest this year! All photos were judged at Wyoming’s Big Show. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo. In lieu of printing calendars this year, we will be printing the winning photos onto post cards that will be available for purchase at the Green River Chamber of Commerce. We get a lot of requests at the Chamber from visitors for post cards and we thought this would be a great way to promote Sweetwater County all over the country and the world! All entries were kept on display at the Green River Chamber through the month of August. People’s Choice Award will be announced in September.
The winners of this years contest were as follows: Grand Prize: Joanne Zotti. Grand Reserve: Eric Nielson with two entries, Jeanna Young, Serena Seekins, Pat Doak, Joanne Zotti, Danea Pistono, Diana Levasseur, and Jon Levasseur. Preparing a meal can be hectic from timing ingredients to the phone Honorable Mention: Regina Dickson, Jon Levasseur, Danea Pistono, ringing to the kids needing attention. With these added pressures, it’s Julie Lutz, Jenni Knezovich, Amanda McClure, Genevieve Bluemel, no wonder we can be distracted when cooking. Every day when we Diana Levasseur, Donna Lukes, and Jerry Brown. prepare meals, we are at risk of a cooking fire. Here are a few tips to help keep you safe. Watch what you heat; stay in the kitchen when you fry, grill or boil. When you simmer, bake or boil stay in your home or apartment; if you have to leave, turn off the stove. Keep things that can catch fire away from the stove top, like pot holders, bags and boxes and towels and curtains. Make a three foot “kid-free zone” around the stove and where hot food and drink is prepared. Read the instructions and use all of your kitchen appliances correctly, and make sure your home fire alarms are working. For more kitchen safety information, contact the fire department at 307 872-0543.
Green River Chamber of Commerce 1155 W Flaming Gorge Way Green River, WY 82935
Page 8
STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GREEN RIVER, WY PERMIT #44
~Green River Chamber Newsletter~
September 2015
Mustang Versatility—Trail Ride Buckle Series 2015 Augusts' Event was awesome! Great weather….sun was shining! Course was in the Scott’s Bottom Park and was fun and at times challenging. Lucy Mack Course Chair once again was very creative with the obstacles. Thanks to the Judge Beth Whitman for spending the day with us again. Here are the results: Extreme Trail 1st Place – Lynn Huckaby & Rachel 2nd Place – Megan Beavers & Lark 3rd Place – Dawn Helms & Blackjack 4th Place – Janet Tipton & Ladybug 5th Place – Janet Hartford & Trixie 6th Place – Chris Thomas & Catfish Adult All Breed 1st Place – Dawn Helms & Gertie 2nd Place – Kirren Seiler & Dezee 3rd Place - Megan Beavers & Rooster 4th Place - Laura Halbert & D 5th Place - Bryan Helms & Cheeto 6th Place – Nate Thomas & Pickle
Youth 15 – 12 1st Place - Leah Huckaby & Xena Lead Line 1st Place – Sage Sumare & Rosie Posie 2nd Place – Sadie Nichols & JD 3rd Place – Maezie Woods & Ladybug 4th Place – Daniel Hartford & Thunder 5th Place – Brayden Anderson & Izzy In-Hand 1st Place – Lynn Huckaby & Pfred 2nd Place – Kirren Seiler & Kimi 3rd Place - Billie Lester & Pony 4th Place – Kim Samm & Spanky 5th Place- Kireen Seiler & Tyrion
Thanks to the Committee: Lynn & Leah Huckaby, Chris & Nate Thomas, Lucy Mack, Kathi Fine, Vonnie Reinbold and Dava Martin. September’s Event will be hosted and the Sweetwater County Events Complex, Indoor Arena, on Saturday, the 12th. The highlight of this event will be the Youth & Mustang Challenge. Four youngsters will show their yearling mustangs that have just 60 days on them. The yearlings will be available for adoption after they are shown. All the yearling will be able to be handled in halter, lead, pick up feet, load in to a horse trailer, and complete simple obstacles. There is no charge to come and watch. The event will also feature a Freestyle Competition, in which riders perform reining maneuvers to music. For more details check out our Facebook page.
