Enterprise Newsletter • Lodging tax is important to several area entities including The Enterprise
Lodging tax renewal on the upcoming ballot
2018 has been a monumental year for the Douglas community. The local visitors center, housed in our historic depot, took shape as the Douglas Railroad Museum & Visitor Center. That effort marks the first step in developing downtown Douglas as a destination.

First Thursdays found continued success with community members gathering monthly for a fun summer evening in the downtown area.

Jackalope Days 2018 was the largest and best-attended event in the gathering's recent history. Community members pulled together adding events and contributing to the overall success.

"Each of these events in some way benefitted from the lodging tax," says Cindy Porter, Executive Director of The Enterprise. "Dollars generated by the tax help staff and advertise the Railroad Museum. Grants received for First Thursdays and Jackalope Days helped advertise those events, ensuring locals knew about the gatherings and inviting guests into our community. As part of the Tourism Board's ongoing advertising buys, other gatherings, like the Farmers Market, also benefit."

Porter continues, "Lodging tax dollars also help advertise the Wyoming State Fair, the Wyoming Pioneer Museum, our downtown area and more. A lot of what we do here at The Enterprise is geared toward economic development. The lodging tax dollars are an important part of letting potential visitors know about all Douglas has to offer, an important component in bolstering our economy."

Looking at the years ahead Porters says, "As we continue to improve the Railroad Museum & Visitor Center and restore our historic train collection, it's going to take money. The advertising and support we receive from the lodging tax will be an essential part of that project's success."
Jackalope Days 2018 included a growing list of activities and events. Advertising for the event was paid for using money from the optional lodging tax.
Converse County's 3% lodging tax is NOT paid by local residents. The tax is collected by lodging properties on overnight stays within the county. The tax is administered by the nine-member lodging tax board. The board includes representatives from Glenrock, Douglas and the county.
Boys & Girls Club gathering coats, hats, gloves
Chili temperatures are knocking at the door and the Boys and Girls Club of Douglas is doing their part to help ensure winter coats are available for those in need.

On Tuesday, Oct. 16 from 5-7 p.m. at 135 S. 4th Street in Douglas the Boys & Girls Club is hosting Chili, Cookies, Coats and Cocoa. During the event they will be accepting new or gently used coats, hats and scarves. Both child and adult sizes are appreciated. Four Seasons Cleaners will be cleaning the coats that will then be distributed to local donation centers.
Chili, cookies and cocoa will be served at the gathering.

You can learn more about the event by visiting the group's Facebook listing or by calling 307-358-4100.
Scarecrows popping up around Douglas!
Scarecrows are popping up around the Douglas community! Local businesses are encouraged to build a scarecrow and put it on display in front of their place of business. Call Douglas Main Street at 358-1164 to enter your creation in the competition, or for more information. Judging will take place beginning on the morning of Oct. 26. Winners will be announced shortly afterwards on Facebook.

Once your scarecrow is complete, send us a photograph and include your address. We'll be sharing the scarecrows on Facebook to encourage interest in the project.
Thank you to our Corporate Members!
"I am so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." — L.M. Montgomery, Ann of Green Gables
The Enterprise | 307.358.2000 | CPorter@candoWyoming.com | SeeWhatConverseCANDO.com