With summer nearing its conclusion, I sent out a business survey last week and was pleased to receive almost 50 responses back from our membership. Thanks to those who participated.

The questions were intended to measure summer business so far and the results yielded a variety of answers.

Question #1 - What type of business are you?

-          37% - Retail

-          22% - Lodging/Campground

-          11 % - Attraction/Tour Provider

-          11% - Service

-          10% - Other (Health Care, Real Estate, Consulting/Advertising/Mixed Businesses)

-           9% - Restaurants

Question #2 - How has spending at your business been this summer compared to last summer?

           Overall Results:

-          28% - Down 1-10%

-          23% - Up 1-10%

-          21% - Up more than 10%

-          15% - About the Same

-          13% - Down more than 10%

Question #3 - How has spending at your business been this summer compared to an average summer?

           Overall Results

-          32% - Down 1-10%

-          19% - Up 1-10%

-          19% - About the Same

-          17% - Up more than 10%

-          13% - Down more than 10%

Industry Breakdown

-          Retail

• Question #2 (2012 vs. 2011)
  • 35% - Down 1-10%
  • 29% - Up 1-10%
  • 18% - About the Same
  • 12% - Up more than 10%
  • 6% - Down more than 10%
• Question #3 (2012 vs. Average Summer)
  • 47% - Down 1-10%
  • 24% - Up 1-10%
  • 12% - Up more than 10%
  • 12% - Down more than 10%
  • 6% - About the same  

-          Lodging/Campgrounds

• Question #2 (2012 vs. 2011)
  • 36% - Down 1-10%
  • 18% - Down more than 10%
  • 18% - Up 1-10%
  • 18% - Up more than 10%
  •  9% - About the Same
• Question #3 (2012 vs. Average Summer)
  • 36% - Down 1-10%
  • 18 % - About the Same
  • 18% - Up 1-10%
  • 18% - Up more than 10%
  •  9% - Down more than 10%  

-          Attraction/Tour Provider

• Question #2 (2012 vs. 2011)
  • 33% - Up 1-10%
  • 33% - Down more than 10%
  • 17% - Down 1-10%
  • 17% - Up more than 10%
  •  0% - About the Same
• Question #3 (2012 vs. Average Summer)
  • 33% - Down more than 10%
  • 33% - About the Same
  • 17% - Up more than 10%
  • 17% - Down 1-10%
  •  0% - Up 1-10%  

-          Restaurant

• Question #2 (2012 vs. 2011)
  • 60% - Up more than 10%
  • 20% - About the Same
  • 20% - Down 1-10%
  •  0% - Up 1-10%
  •  0% - Down more than 10%
• Question #3 (2012 vs. Average Summer)
  • 40% - Up more than 10%
  • 20% - Up 1-10%
  • 20%- About the Same
  • 20% - Down 1-10%
  •  0% - Down more than 10%  

-          Service

• Question #2 (2012 vs. 2011)
  • 33% - Up 1-10%
  • 17% - Down more than 10%
  • 17% - Down 1-10%
  • 17% - About the Same
  • 17% - Up more than 10%
• Questions #3 (2012 vs. Average Summer)
  • 33% - Up 1-10%
  • 33% - About the Same
  • 17% - Down 1-10%
  • 17% - Down more than 10%
  •  0% - Up more than 10%  

-          Other

• Question #2 (2012 vs. 2011)
  • 40% - Up more than 10%
  • 20% - About the Same
  • 20% - Down 1-10%
  • 10% - Down more than 10%
  • 10% - Up 1-10%
• Question #3 (2012 vs. Average Summer)
  • 30% - About the Same
  • 30% - Up more than 10%
  • 20% - Down 1-10%
  • 10% - Dore more than 10%
  • 10% - Down 1-10%

Overall, across all industries a majority of respondents indicated they are down this summer compared to last year or an average summer (especially in retail and lodging) but a decent number of respondents are having a good year. Thank you to those members who also sent me some anecdotal feedback.

I'm pleased to welcome two new members to our Board of Directors. Bruce Eldredge, CEO of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center and Scott Wagner, owner of Buffalo Jump Wines are replacing Tim Schuh formerly of Sierra Trading Post and Joe Kondelis, owner of Tanager Beverages, who have stepped down. Thanks to Joe and Tim for their service to the chamber! In addition, Luke Anderson, Wyoming Financial Insurance, has been named vice president of the chamber and will serve as president in 2013. 

Plans for the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale (BBAS) and Cody High Style are in the final stages. The BBAS kicks off next Thursday with the judging of the main show and the Scout Miniature Auction held at the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. These events are the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Chamber (with significant proceeds benefiting the BBHC as well). I hope to see you at many of the events!

We are still taking applications for our visitor center manager, which is being vacated by long-time chamber employee, Karen Miller at the end of October. If you know anyone who may be interested in applying, the deadline is this upcoming Monday, August 20th.

Mark your calendar for our next c2b (Cody Business Breakfast) which will take place Friday, September 7th from 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Bubba's BBQ.  

Finally, I will be sending you our new website advertising options and prices in the next few days. If you go to our site you'll see where we have banner ads available. Ads are available to fit any budget, and this is a great way to get your business to stand out in crowded marketplace to those people who are planning to visit or relocate to the Cody area. Please contact me for more details if you would like more information.  

Have a great rest of the summer! 

Scott Balyo

Executive Director

exec@codychamber.org