Friday, September 21, 2012

Jackson Hole - Destination Wellness



JHDWJackson Hole - Destination Wellness, an initiative to promote health and wellness of the mind, body, spirit, and earth, will be held September 22-30.

 Click here for a complete schedule of events, including the Community Fall Festival set for Saturday, the 2nd Annual Jackson Hole Marathon set for Sunday, the Michael Pollan event set for next Saturday, and more! 

Jackson Hole and the greater Teton area offer a rich diversity of events, programs, facilities, services, and products. Jackson Hole, with its focus on health, wellness, and recreation; incredible expertise in a variety of arts and disciplines; and awe-inspiring mountain scenery and wildlife; is ideal as your destination for wellness!  Click here for the list of 2012 Jackson Hole Destination Wellness Discounts and Deals. 

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Jackson Hole Visitor Update

Jackson, WY -- The Horsethief Canyon Fire continues to burn in backcountry forest areas south east of Jackson.  At this time there is no impact to business, events or experiences that the beautiful fall season provides guests in Jackson Hole.  
Through Sunday, Jackson Hole is hosting thousands of art lovers during the continuation of the 28th Annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. No events have been impacted thus far.  Precautionary closures have affected some backcountry hiking trails around the Snow King and Cache Creek areas, but none of the beautiful hiking trails in our national parks have been affected.  Due to the unpredictable nature of fire, some local, East Jackson areas are on heightened alert.  

Jim Waldrop, Chairman of the Board of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce commented, “Emergency services are working hard to contain the fire and to date no structures of any nature have been impacted.  The experienced hospitality staffs throughout Jackson Hole continue to provide the kind of experience and service our visitors are seeking and more importantly the safety of our guests will not be compromised.”

At this time the fires are not affecting our major tourism hubs including downtown Jackson, Teton Village, Grand Teton National Park, Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole Airport.  There is no need to change travel plans, if in the unlikely event this changes, communications to this end will follow.  It is an incredible time to visit Jackson Hole with elk migration, fall colors and wonderful events.  For a list of events and information please visit jacksonholechamber.com/today/

For the latest information about the Horsethief Canyon Fire please call 307.739.5577, email horsethiefcanyonfire@gmail.com, or visit http://www.inciweb.org/incident/3241/. For visitor information, please call the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, 307.733.3316.



Friday, September 7, 2012

Dreamers Don't Sleep by Amy Ringholz

Amy Ringholz is the 28th Annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival Featured artist. Get a behind-the-scenes view of her creation, "Dreamer's Don't Sleep." The painting will be auctioned ad the QuickDraw on Saturday, September 15.

The Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival is widely recognized as one of the premier cultural events in the Rocky Mountain West. Thousands of art enthusiasts are drawn each year to experience the diverse artwork and breathtaking natural surroundings that make Jackson Hole a leading cultural center. The 2012 Festival will take place through September 16. Experience the world-class installments of contemporary, culinary, landscape, Native American, wildlife, and Western, arts. Visitors will appreciate the works of nationally and internationally acclaimed artists along with an exceptional array of music, cowboy poetry and cuisine. More than fifty events round out our eleven-day festival. Check out the complete schedule online at http://www.jacksonholechamber.com/fall_arts_festival/.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Travel & Tourism Board Treasurer Golightly Resigns


After recently being appointed to lead the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Golightly will step-down from his role as treasurer of the Jackson Hole Travel & Tourism Joint Powers Board. JH Chamber of Commerce Board Members and Golightly felt the relationship between the Travel & Tourism Board and the Chamber of Commerce could potentially create a conflict of interest in future voting matters.

"The lodging tax is an excellent resource for our community to create a stronger economy in the shoulder and winter seasons while supporting increased visitor services year round."  Golightly said.  “It was an honor to serve on the board. I am proud of the work we have done and look forward to the board's continued success and the benefit it will bring to our community." Golightly was a respected member of the T&T Board and along with his six board peers, helped establish the strategic plan and operating budget for their portion of the 2% lodging tax. The Joint Powers Board funds the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce for visitor services, event management and tourism trade shows, costs previously supported by the Town of Jackson and Teton County.

In the Chamber's long-term view, lodging tax proceeds are about providing Jackson Hole the best chance to build a stronger economy in shoulder and winter seasons. Arguably as important, they help fund amenities local residents increasingly enjoy and have become reliant on for their quality of life in Jackson Hole, like Pathways and START Bus.  Visitors create stresses on these amenities; lodging tax funds repair and expand them so residents can continue to enjoy them throughout the year.

Proceeds generated from the lodging tax are distributed by state statute through the JHT&TJPB.  In addition to the 60% of funding allocated to the lodging tax board for destination promotion; 30% is allocated to the Town and County for services designed to offset visitor impacts; and, 10% is allocated to the Town and County general funds.

Resignation is effective September 14, 2012 prior to Golightly’s start date at the Chamber of September 17, 2012.  Golightly will be available to ensure a smooth transition with the person designated by the elected officials to take his seat.

"The mission of the Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce is to champion the interests of local businesses, enhance their prosperity, and strengthen the economic climate of Teton County."

For more information, please contact Jim Waldrop, Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Board of Directors 307.732.3920 or jwaldrop@worthotel.com.

Volunteers Needed for 28th Annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival

Dreamers Don't Sleep - FAF 2012 The 28th Annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival begins this week and volunteers are needed! Widely recognized as one of the premier cultural events in the Rocky Mountain West, thousands of art enthusiasts are drawn to experience the diverse artwork and breathtaking natural surroundings that make Jackson Hole a leading cultural center. The 2012 Festival will take place September 6-16. More than fifty events round out our eleven-day festival featuring Amy Ringholz and "Dreamer's Don't Sleep."

Volunteer opportunities are still available. Friends, family, neighbors and colleagues are all invited! Working to support special events in Jackson Hole is a great way to get involved and have fun! Contact Katie Wolitarsky, Events Coordinator, for a complete list, events@jacksonholechamber.com or 307.733.3316x109.

Annual events that are a favorite part of the FAF tradition include the Historic Ranch Tours set for Saturday, September 8 and the 17th Annual Jackson Hole QuickDraw Art Sale and Auction set for Saturday, September 15.

New events will include "The Stagecoach Bar: An American Crossroads" Film Screening on Saturday, September 8 and Something Wild This Way Comes, an artistic benefit/celebration for Jackson Hole hosted by Amy Ringholz on Saturday, September 15.

See a complete schedule online: www.jacksonholechamber.com/fall_arts_festival.