Rebuilding Cody’s “Front Porch”
Written by Andrew-Rossi on February 7, 2018
A local couple is on a mission to rebuild Cody’s front porch.
When John Gordnier and Cindy Katz came to Cody several years ago, they decided this was where they wanted to make their permanent home. Not ones to sit on the sidelines, they became involved in causes that would strengthen the future of their new hometown, such as the one cent sales tax initiative.
Recently, the couple decided to throw their efforts into what they feel is essential to the tourism economy in Cody – the visitor’s center and chamber of commerce building, which is in need of major repairs.
Gordnier, along with Cody Chamber board member Theresa Donley, appeared yesterday before the Park County Commissioners to ask for support for a proposed upgrade to the Visitor’s Center. Gordnier told the Commission that as the center is the first contact for tourists to our community, it is also the doorway to greater economic benefit for the businesses, recreational attractions, and other amenities in Park County. And he says that means a stronger economic future for our children and grandchildren.
The proposal as it is written would incorporate the existing historical building, but expand to house the Chamber, the Park County Travel Council, the Cody Country Art League, interpretive centers for the Park, the National Forest and the State of Wyoming. It would also showcase the other communities in Park County – all of which Gordnier says would encourage visitors to stay in the county at least one extra day. He says that would increase spending in Park County by at least $140 per person per day, and with three quarters of a million people passing through Cody on their way in and out of Yellowstone National Park, the economic benefit would be huge.
Theresa Donley says that their primary focus at this point is gathering support for the idea.
Gordnier, Katz and members of the Chamber Board are bringing their proposal to entities such as the City, County, and the School Board, asking for support for the idea, so that when the time comes to seek grant funds and private donations, those organizations will encourage citizens to get behind the project.
