Stanley-Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce: Newsletter Spring 2007

In This Issue:

Visitor Center Operations
Community Bldg. Remodel
Membership Meeting / Discovering the Stanley Basin
Marketing/Advertising/Funding
Elections

Visitor Information Center Operations – Over the past several years the VIC has continuously maintained longer and longer periods of operation. This year the center will be staffed on a full and part time basis for nearly ten months out of the year. Our season of full time operation now extends from May 15 through the month of October. When the center is closed requests for information via the phone and email are handled seven days a week by paid staff. Veteran staffers Dale and Dee Light will be joining us once again for our opening in May. As traffic picks up they will be accompanied by Stanley favorite Jack Sullivan and assisted by Jeni McQuay. After a few days of organization the center will go into full time summer operation mode from 9-5 PM seven days a week.

Community Building Remodel - As you may recall, over the years renovation of the Stanley Community Building has been discussed to better accommodate the cities need for space and to better serve the traveling public and residents. In the fall of 2004 the City of Stanley and Stanley Sawtooth Chamber of Commerce submitted a facilities grant application to the National Scenic Byways and Federal Highway Administration. In late March of last year we received word that $138,232 had been awarded for the project. The total cost of the project is yet to be determined, but should come in around $200,000. With matching funds secured we are quickly reaching our goal. We have hired an architect and hope to have plans to review in early April. The remodel would move the city offices to the space vacated by the fire department and provide considerable space up front for a Visitor Information Center and renovated restrooms that would serve the traveling public for decades to come. The City and Chamber are working to finalize plans and secure additional funding as needed. We are hoping to have an informational meeting early this spring and possibly begin the remodel this fall. We’ll keep you posted as this process continues to move forward.

Membership Meeting/Discovering the Stanley Basin – Mark your calendars for June 14th from 6-8pm for a BBQ, a chamber business update, and some time with friends and co-workers. As you may recall, the last couple of years the chamber has conducted a program geared towards seasonal staff, business owners and managers. This year we have decided to hold our membership meeting in conjunction with Discovering the Stanley Basin. This may be one of the few opportunities for seasonal employees, volunteers, and business owners/managers to gather, share information, some food, and time together at the beginning of the busy season. You will have an opportunity to talk about your business, bring a table or display with your information, and let others know about the opportunities and services you provide. We will notify you of the location and other pertinent details by mail, email, phone, and fliers. If nothing else it’s a FREE MEAL and one we hope you will bring your entire staff and family too!

Marketing/Advertising and Funding – Greg Edson is preparing to write and submit the grant application for ‘07/‘08 Idaho Travel Council funding available to the chamber in mid July. These monies provide the dollars for advertising and marketing chamber member businesses and services. The city council plans its budget in May and June at which time Option Tax monies are allocated. Option Tax funds and Membership Dues are used for Visitor Center and Chamber operational expenses. This fall and winter the chamber has run a series of winter recreation ads on radio and television throughout Central Idaho, Treasure Valley, Magic and Wood River Valley and Easter Idaho. We have also participated in the states snowmobile internet co-op program and we are currently running spring steelhead fishing ads on radio in the Boise, southern and eastern Idaho markets. Our website continues to be refined and tuned up to provide better content and information for the traveler. We have added some more maps, including a business location map, updated our events calendar, spent some money and time on search engine optimization, key word search update, and a weather link. It is important to note that ITC Grant funds, City Option Tax funds (12,000 for 2007), and membership dues ($15,500 budgeted) are what keep our chamber operating at the high level we currently enjoy. Our total budget for 2007 is nearly $63,000 which is approximately ten thousand dollars less do to a drop in Option tax funds. Securing additional funding dollars and a co-op advertising programs will expand and unify our message, and potentially reduce members advertising costs. Please, contact Greg Edson or a board member with comments, questions, or thoughts to further our advertising program. Support the chamber with your ideas and aid in securing the dollars to operate a successful chamber program.

Elections - The Chamber will hold our semi-annual membership meeting (and BBQ) on Thursday June 14, 2007. At that meeting we will be electing three members for positions on the Board of Directors. If you or anyone you know of would be interested in serving on the board please let a current board member or Greg Edson know as soon as possible. Terms are for two years with meetings held monthly as needed. Currently serving on the board are: Charlie Thompson President, Jeff Clegg Vice-President, Tom Stuart Treasurer, Julie Meissner, Jared Hopkinson (term expiring), Ben Forsgren (term expiring), Tim Cron (term expiring).