Industry Insight: Summer 2024
Valued WHTC Members,
We hope that this newsletter finds you well and wrapping up a successful summer season. Your association has been engaged in all things election this summer, meeting with candidates and ensuring they understand the value of Wyoming's hospitality and tourism industries. We have also met with members across the state, learning about your challenges and celebrating your success. We exist to serve you, our members, and we are here to help you with anything industry-related. Please reach out to WHTC Executive Director Chris Brown at any time if there are challenges that we can help with. Chris can be reached at chris@wyohtc.org or 307.218.7734.
Election Update
The 2024 Wyoming Primary Election took place on August 20. All 60 seats in the Wyoming House of Representatives and 15 (half) seats in the Wyoming Senate were up for consideration. This year’s primary election was a tough one for our industry. Numerous incumbent industry supporters were defeated. Friends like Jon Conrad, Dan and Dave Zwonitzer, Tom Walters, Bill Henderson, and Albert Sommers lost to challengers. Fortunately, strong industry champions like Tara Nethercott, Barry Crago, Jim Anderson, Bob Nicholas, Ken Clouston, Lloyd Larsen, Landon Brown and others were reelected.
The 2025 Legislative General Session will look very different than in years past. The Wyoming Freedom Caucus gained a majority of seats in the Wyoming House. They will now command leadership positions and committee chairmanships. The makeup of the Wyoming Senate stayed about the same. As an industry, we will face new and potentially significant challenges over the next two years. Hospitality and Tourism is the state’s second-largest industry and largest private sector employer. We must stand together as one loud, collective voice has never been more critical. If there is one thing the many small businesses that make up our industry are familiar with, it’s rising to whatever challenges come our way. We will rise to this occasion as well. For information on specific races or to discuss further, please get in touch with WHTC Executive Director Chris Brown.
Per Diem Rates
The General Services Administration (GSA) has announced its Fiscal Year 2025 per diem rates. The per diem guidelines announced today govern reimbursement for federal employees’ lodging and meal expenses for official government travel.
The FY2025 CONUS/Most of WY per diem rate is $178: $110 lodging, $68 meals
For Park County
• October 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025: lodging $127, meals $74
• June 1, 2025 - Sept 30, 2025: lodging $190, meals $74
For Teton/Sublette Counties
• October 1, 2024 - May 31, 2025: lodging $212, meals $92
• June 1, 2025 - Sept 30, 2025: lodging $420, meals $92
Additional info is available on the GSA website.
News + Notes
Website
Have you seen our recently refreshed website? Please head over to www.wyohtc.org to check it out! Is there a resource missing that you would like us to add? We would love your feedback! We hope you will find our new site useful. Check back often—we will be continuously updating it with information that supports and promotes hospitality and tourism in Wyoming.
Member Billing
Just a friendly reminder- we are switching to online billing for your annual membership dues. Please keep an eye out for your annual dues invoice in your inbox. Haven't seen this year’s invoice? Please reach out to Christi Anderson at christi@wyohtc.org, and we will take care of you immediately. Your association is only as strong as the members that support it. If you receive this notification but have not paid your dues recently, please consider rejoining.
Events
Participating in our events is one of the best ways to engage and take full advantage of your membership with the Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition. We host them around the state.
WHTC Golf Classic
Friday, September 20, 2024 | Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis Club, Jackson
Fall Hospitality and Tourism Summit
October 16 + 17, 2024 | Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie
Wyoming Governor’s Hospitality and Tourism Convention
January 26 - 28, 2025 | Little America Hotel and Resort, Cheyenne
For more information, please visit our events page.
Warm Regards,
Chris Brown
Executive Director
chris@wyohtc.org