Cody Chamber E-Newsletter  -  January 15, 2016

Exec Bits!

As I wrap up one month as the "new kid" at the Chamber I find myself with the opportunity to thank you tremendously for your continued partnership with the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce.  Our partnership helps to ensure that Cody continues to be a great place to live, work and play.

While we begin to chart the course for 2016, we recognize there are opportunities for improvement that will make us stronger and more relevant to our members, thereby ensuring the sustainability of an organization rich in Wyoming history.  We also believe that we have seen success here at the Chamber of Commerce that warrants celebrating.

* The Chamber Visitor Center welcomed more than 100,000 visitors to Cody last year.  Our trained staff was able to discern their needs and steer those visitors to local business members and their services.

* The Chamber Newsletter is distributed to nearly 700 recipients twice a month and has become a key communication channel for our community.  You can regularly find information on events, economic information, and is an opportunity for our members to place relevant advertising in front of a wide audience.

* The Chamber website, www.codychamber.org is a valuable resource to potential visitors from around the world and local consumers looking for local solutions.  I have experienced first-hand during the last 30 days how easy it is to make connections to new doctors, mechanics, plumbers, painters, and other partners here in our community through the use of the business member search feature. 

According to a national survey recently conducted by the Atlanta based Shapiro Group relating to chambers of commerce as a whole, potential customers have certain perceptions about businesses who are chamber members.  These perceptions include:

* Most consumers, 59%, think that being active in the local chamber of commerce is an effective business strategy overall.

* 44% of consumers think more positively of a small business they know is a member of the local chamber of commerce.

* 63% of consumers are more likely to buy goods and services from a small business they know is a member of the local chamber of commerce.

* The study also found that when consumers know a large business or franchise is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are also more likely to patronize the business more often, to express favorable opinions about the business and are more likely to buy the business's products.

The Cody Chamber provides member networking and educational opportunities at the monthly Cody Club luncheons and at scheduled Business After Hours events.   As an organization we have renewed our commitment to these events in order to bring new life to a rich history. 

The Cody Chamber Ambassadors perform ribbon cutting and welcome activities for new and existing businesses in Cody helping to celebrate growth and success.  We are also proud of the commitment we show each day to our community through assisting, sponsoring or partnering on many events throughout the year, all of which draw visitors and potential customers to Cody.

To sum up, Chamber membership provides members with an opportunity to have a positive impact on their business community and to be part of an extensive business network. It gives consumers a positive perception of your business; it provides opportunities for networking and value-added options. Dollar for dollar, your membership in the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce is one of the most cost effective investments you can make in your business.

I look forward to a long and prosperous working relationship together!

With warm regard and best wishes for the New Year,
Tina Hoebelheinrich
Executive Director
[email protected]
Direct Line: 307.586.1571

We're hiring....

Cody Country Chamber of Commerce - Visitor Services Manager job opening.
 
The Visitor Center Manager is a full-time, year-round position that is responsible for creating an exemplary customer experience for visitors and potential visitors to the Cody area; focus on overall satisfaction and need fulfillment.

Duties include but are not limited to overseeing the daily operations of the Visitor Center, Visitor Services, and the coordination of Visitor Events. The Visitor Services Manager is also responsible for the hiring, training and managing of the seasonal staff of the Cody Country Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center. This position also requires attention to detail to ensure that every visitor inquiry is handled to 100% satisfaction.
 
Find the full job description & how to apply here: http://www.codychamber.org/jobs.html

2016 Cody Chamber
 Board of Directors

James Blair
President  
Holiday Inn - Blair Hotels

Mark Westerling
Vice President

Wells Fargo Bank, NA

 

Theresa Donley 

Secretary
Donley Team - Western Real Estate

Leslie Slater-Wilson

Treasurer
Traces of Light
 
Krystal Baum
Rand Creek Ranch
 
Paul Brock
Cody Firearms Experience
*Buffalo Bill Art Show

 

Nancy Tia Brown
Mayor, City of Cody
  
Keven Buss
Stine, Buss, Wolff, Wilson & Assoc.
 
Mike Darby 

Buffalo Bill Antler's Inn

*Cody Stampede

 

Jordan Jolley

Sports HQ

James Klessens
Forward Cody

Ashley McCarten
Pinnacle Bank
 
Jennifer Rosencranse
Roger's Sports Center
 
Ashley Trudo
West Park Hospital
*Ambassadors

Scott Wagner 
Past President
Buffalo Jump Winery

Brett Whitlock
Whitlock Motors
  

Tom Wilder

Eastgate Liquors

*Committee's
Upcoming Events

January 15
6th annual Jack Russell & Corgi races, at the Cody Auditorium, 6pm.

January 16
Geysers on the Terrace - Bridal Faire, 11am-4pm.

January 19
3rd annual Events Forum, Cody Club room, 9am-10am.

Backcountry skiing mapping workshop, Bighorn Federal basement, 6pm.

January 22
Yellowstone Quake Hockey, at the Riley Arena, 7:30pm.

Shufflebuggy live at Cassie's, 9pm.

January 23
Park County Library Winter Gathering, 1pm-5pm.

Yellowstone Quake Hockey, at the Riley Arena, 7:30pm.

January 25
Community concert series presents "Billy Dean" at Powell High School, 7:30pm.

January 27
Business to Business for Legal Shield, at the Grizzly room in Park Co. Library, 11:45am & 5pm.

January 28
Backcountry film festival, at Big Horn Cinemas, 7:30pm.

January 30
Understanding the GMO debate, 12:45pm-4:30pm.

Missoula Children's Theater presents "Sleeping Beauty." Wynona Thompson Auditorium, 3pm & 5:30pm.

Yellowstone Quake Hockey, at the Riley Arena, 7:30pm.

Upcoming Cody Club
Presentations

February 22
Annual Stampede Board meeting
March 7
TBA
  
Watch your e-mail for further Cody Club Announcements!

Is it snowing?  Is it busy or quiet?  See it all on the Webcam!

 

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Get social with us:
 
Find us on Facebook             Follow us on Twitter

 Feel free to contact us
with any questions at: 
307- 587- 2777

Our Mission:
The Cody Country Chamber of Commerce, the community's "front porch", represents the interests of its members and the entire business community, extends exceptional western hospitality and promotes an unparalleled visitor experience.
  
We're here to help you!

Thank you for renewing your memberships!

Non-Profit
Dick Nelson
Boy Scouts of America
Steve Leger

Pony Express
Barker-Ewing Whitewater

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New members to welcome!

Specializing in electronic (e-waste) recycling.  1219 Cedar Lane, Cody, 406-850-2901.

Worth Christie is a LegalShield representative based out of Casper. LegalShield provides legal services for one low monthly fee, members gain access to quality law firms without having to worry about high hourly costs.  He is holding a couple of sessions on January 27th in Cody at the Park County Library (11:45am and 5pm), and on January 28th in Powell at their Chamber board room.  Call him to RSVP for either.  2811 Ridge Road, Casper, WY. 307-259-9066.

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3rd annual Events Forum on Tuesday, January 19 at 9am.

In 2015 more than 70 people attended the second annual event. This year's event will attempt to expedite the process by asking individuals to fill out a brief informational sheet about their event which will then be compiled for all attendees and shared throughout Park County and the Big Horn Basin.

The Events Forum will be held at the Cody Auditorium (in the Club Room) at 1240 Beck and is open to members of the Cody Chamber, non-members, and non-profits alike. Attendance is free and refreshments will be served.

Feel free to fill out and return this PDF event form beforehand, we will collect these at the forum.

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State Park passes - We have them!

Yes, we are selling the WY State Park passes! We're open 8am-5pm, Monday through Friday, so stop by and get yours. Be sure to have your vehicle registration & driver's license to confirm your in-state residency. "Early Bird" discount for annual daily use permit (available Jan. 1st to Feb. 15th of each year) for residents $27.00 (regular rate $33).
 
More info on passes available at the WY State Parks website.

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Business Resources - Webinar


 


 

TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE SELF-EMPLOYED
3-Part Webinar Series Sponsored by Wyoming Entrepreneur SBDC
Feb. 4, 11 and 17 from 2-3:00 PM
 
Get the tax help you need this year. The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) tax expert Keith Hall, CPA will be presenting three hour-long webinars to help with your 2015 taxes. Mr. Hall will walk you through recent tax changes and tips, and answer questions. This 3-part webinar series will be presented on Feb. 4, 11 and 17 from 2-3:00 pm.
 
The Feb. 4th webinar will cover "Critical Tax Questions for the Self-employed." For those new to being self-employed, we will cover business entity formation, estimated taxes, and automobile and travel deductions. On Feb. 11th, you will learn how to "Audit-proof Your Tax Return." The final webinar on Feb. 17th will provide attendees with tips on how to maximize tax savings by hiring your children, taking the home office deduction, using retirement contributions, and more.
 
Registration fee for this series of three webinars is $15. To register by credit card, go to http://wyen.biz and click on "Classes." If you have questions or need to pay with an alternative method, contact Peggy Baker at (307) 382-0947.

For further information, visit our website, http://www.wyomingentrepreneur.biz.
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Online Marketing Seminar next week!

Put Your Business on Every Traveler's Map A four-hour seminar designed to help you develop an online marketing strategy that utilizes the right tools for your business.

Topics will include:
* The importance of having a mobile-friendly website
* Writing compelling online content for your audience
* Getting found on the map
* Evaluating and managing social media and peer review networks such as: Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Yelp and TripAdvisor
* Adding visuals to your online content
* Accessing resources from the Wyoming Office of Tourism

Even if you already utilize online tools, let us provide some tips and management details to help you make your upcoming summer the most profitable ever and develop a resource network.

Presenter Sarah Hamlin is the Fremont County Business Advisor for the Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center. She has many years of experience in marketing, operations and finance, as well as an MBA from Colorado State University. Sarah's specialty is in online marketing, helping clients with website content, social media strategies, and writing online marketing plans.

There are two class options to meet your busy schedule. Put Your Business on Every Traveler's Map will be offered: Wednesday, January 20th from 1:00-5:00 pm OR Thursday, January 21st from 8:30 am-12:30 pm.

Classes will be held in the Cody Center for Training and Development at 1501 Stampede Avenue. The cost is $40 per person for this half-day training Register online now at www.nwc.edu/training or call 307-587-3506.

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Business Resources - 2016 GRO-Biz!

2016 GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo
Wyoming's Premier Business Conference
Register Today!
 
February 17 and 18, 2016
Gillette College
300 West Sinclair, Gillette, WY

This year's GRO-Biz Conference & Idea Expo is pleased to feature two dynamic and engaging keynote and workshop presenters, Mike Moyer and Andrew J. Sherman!

Mike Moyer is a nationally recognized speaker, entrepreneur, and author of eight books that provide advice to people who want to solve specific problems like splitting equity in their start-up company or delivering an awesome sales pitch, no matter the size of your business. His keynote presentation on Thursday the 18th is titled Slicing Pie. Moyer's breakout session is from his recent book, Pitch Ninja: Persuasive Pitching and Presenting.

Andrew J. Sherman, nationally known speaker and author of 27 books, will give a keynote address on Ten Strategies to Drive Business Growth for 2016 and Beyond.  This provides insight from someone who Fortune Magazine named "One of the top minds in small business". His breakout session, Harvesting Intangible Assets: Uncover Hidden Revenue In Your Company's Intellectual Property, was a top TEDx talk and the subject of his successful book.

Don't miss the opportunity to improve and expand your business by attending this year's conference! 
 
*Be sure to register by February 4th, 2016 to receive a discounted fee.
**Group discounts also available for the event.

Direct questions to: Brett Housholder, 307.234.3203,  [email protected]

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Office Closure.

The Chamber & PCTC offices and the Visitor Center will be closed on Monday, January 18 for Martin Luther King Day.  We'll reopen on Tuesday, January 19th at 8am!

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Member Advertisement

 

  

 

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