Hanna Begins Improvements to Boost Tourism

JUNE 3, 2025 |

Photo – Town of Hanna sign – Bigfoot99 file photo

To boost tourism, the Hanna Community Branding Committee is focusing on wayfinding signage and park improvements.

Last year, the Carbon County Visitors Council, also known as Discover Carbon County, created a community survey asking residents what, if any, changes were needed to increase tourism in our area.

The Visitors Council hired Saratoga businesswoman Cindy Loose, owner of Visions In Progress Marketing, to meet with municipalities across the county and develop strategies to increase tourism and economic opportunities.

Using data collected from the online tourism survey, Loose created a community assessment for every town in Carbon County. The assessments contain a “comprehensive evaluation of each community’s image, assets, experiences, and reputation.” Residents were then asked to form community branding committees tasked with brainstorming ways to use various state and federal grants to meet the goals set out by the individual assessments.

The Hanna Community Branding Committee will focus on installing way-finding signs and improving Energy Park on the southwest side of town. At the May 13th Hanna Town Council meeting, Clerk Vivian Gonzales said Cindy Loose okayed the Branding Committee’s plan.

Clerk Gonzales stated that she reached out to the Wyoming Department of Transportation regarding funding for wayfinding signs. Gonzales discovered the town has missed the grant deadline. If the governing body is prepared to commit to a sign design, Clerk Gonzales said they should qualify for next year’s grant cycle.

Clerk Gonzales said the Town Council can choose the type of sign they prefer if it adheres to WYDOT safety guidelines. The town clerk thanked the Carbon County Visitors Council for helping to secure funding, adding that the town may also use other funding sources to support the initiatives.

The town has approved a $48,510 payment to Quality Landscape and Nursery, based in Saratoga, for the installation of a new sprinkler system at Energy Park, funded by the 6th Penny Specific Purpose Tax. Additionally, the town has requested a grant from the Carbon County School District Two Recreation Board to purchase new barbecue pits for the park.

Town Clerk Vivian Gonzales reported that VIP Marketing owner Cindy Loose said the Hanna Community Branding Committee is her favorite.