Exec Bits:

Despite a relatively mild winter, I think we are all ready for summer. One week from today the East Gate to Yellowstone is scheduled to open and at the chamber, we're getting ready for a big summer season!

We kick things off with our 2nd Annual Park & Pancakes celebration. Chamber board members will be flipping pancakes, so stop by between 8-10 a.m., Friday, May 1 on our front lawn for breakfast, coffee and a great chance to network.  

Following the breakfast, students from Cody Middle School and Cody High School will be working hard all over Cody doing road, trail and parks cleanup. I want to offer a big thanks in advance to the staff and students at these two schools for stepping up to help our community. 

Thank you for your patience in regards to the annual Founders Day Banquet. One of the great things about Cody is there is never a shortage of events and great causes. Such was the case this week when we found out that there were many other good things happening. After hearing from many members who wanted to come to our banquet, but had a conflict, we decided the best thing to do would be to postpone our annual awards dinner until the fall. Be looking for information then!

If you're interested in learning more about the economic impact of tourism in Park County and around the state, you can access the latest Wyoming Travel Impacts report by Dean Runyan Associates, produced by the Wyoming Office of Tourism. Page 42 presents a breakdown of Park County's visitor spending, employment figures and tax receipts. It's worth a look.  

Don't forget that we'll be hosting 75 youth soccer teams (1,000+ players) from around the state and region for the annual Cody Shootout starting tonight through Sunday. Let's extend exceptional hospitality to these guests as many of them are also likely to plan future leisure trips. While summer is around the corner, these shoulder season events are a boon to our economy.  

Finally, be on the lookout for your invitation to our annual Parks Day luncheon, May 18, 11:45 a.m. in the Cody Auditorium. This is a great opportunity to hear updates from the superintendents of both Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks and ask them questions. This event is always popular, so be sure to RSVP early.

Thank you for your membership and support. I hope to see many of you next Friday for Park & Pancakes. Have a great Friday! 

 
Scott Balyo
Executive Director