November 2, 2023 |
Photo – Knotwell (second from right) poses with the 2022 Steinley Cup winners – Bigfoot99 file photo
The Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO was selected as the state’s Director of the Year.
Amanda Knotwell is the Chief Executive Director of the Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce. In September, Knotwell was honored by her fellow business promoters during the Wyoming Working Together conference in Lander. The chamber of commerce CEO said she was surprised that she had been chosen as the Wyoming Chamber Director of the Year.
Knotwell said chambers of commerce and other business promoters across the state hold individual meetings throughout the year. The Platte Valley Chamber CEO said once a year, they all come together for the Wyoming Working Together conference.
Knotwell became the CEO of the Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce two years ago following the resignation of her predecessor, Stacy Crimmins.
Knotwell said she has not necessarily done anything different than other chamber officials to earn the director of the year award. Knotwell said she believes people have recognized her hard work and perseverance.
The Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce CEO said she has spearheaded many local business and community promotional events. Knotwell said she increased the number of times the local newsletter is published, from once a month to every week. The chamber CEO said more frequent printings allow her to better promote businesses and events across the area.
Knotwell said she has broadened the scope of the chamber of commerce’s weekly newsletter to encompass businesses around all of Carbon County. The chamber CEO said she is attempting to inform people about the activities going on in every municipality.
Knotwell said one of her proudest accomplishments is the installation of the color LED sign on Third Street near the Saratoga town hall. Knotwell said anyone can have their ad displayed on the sign.
Knotwell said she has created several events and activities to attract people to Saratoga. The chamber of commerce CEO said the annual ice fishing derby, Ugly Sweater Fun Run, Brewfest, and Independence Run are all designed to get people to spend money in town.
The Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby is a major fundraising event for the Platte Valley Chamber of Commerce. Last year’s ice fishing derby was canceled after invasive yellow perch were found in Saratoga Lake. To stop yellow perch from harming the local environment, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department chose to kill all the fish in the lake.
This past May, Game and Fish agents introduced rainbow and tiger trout into the empty lake. Knotwell said the fishing tournament will once again happen this winter. The 2024 Saratoga Lake Ice Fishing Derby is set for January 21st, 2024.
Knotwell said being chosen as Chamber Director of the Year wasn’t the only honor she received during September’s Wyoming Working Together conference. Knotwell said she has also been selected to serve on the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce.
Knotwell will be presented with her Chamber Director of the Year award during the Festival of Trees event in the Platte Valley Community Center on December 1st. State and local officials will be on hand to honor Knotwell for her dedication to promoting local businesses and organizations.
