Tourism board discusses new building

by Bill Boender

The Sublette County Joint Tourism Promotion Board met Wednesday, April 14, at the Big Piney Library with Leanne Rellstab, Alan Blackburn and John Godfrey absent.

After roll call and approval of minutes, Snoann Engler presented a grant request for the Big Piney Barrel Race Bonanza which will be held on June 19 and 20 with 110 competitors expected to participate. The grant request was approved in the amount of $689.

Eric Sechrist presented the treasurers' report in the absence of Leanne Rellstab, showing some $46,812 available to the board for promotion projects. Problems in collecting funds from the towns have been resolved except for a lost check to the Town of Marbleton, which will be reissued by the county.

Kathy Sechrist presented the directors' report covering promotional activities underway. The possibility of building a new visitor center was explored as there are possible funding sources from the Bureau of Land Management and local energy producers. Kathy Sechrist and John Godfrey were appointed by Chairperson Glenna Johnson to investigate further and report to the board at the next meeting, scheduled for May 5 at the Pinedale Library.

In other new business, the board approved purchase of a $400 computer for the Marbleton visitor center and contracted with Melissa Dibben for up to four hours work at $45 per hour for an assessment and recommendations for improving the current website.

A budget committee was established to begin work on a proposed new budget. Members appointed include Leane Gray, Leanne Rellstab, Toni David, Glenna Johnson and Eric Sechrist.

With no other business and no public comment, the meeting was adjourned.