SWEETWATER COUNTY – The Sweetwater Events Complex received some good news as they recently learned their 501(c)3 was approved.
Section 501(c)(3) is the portion of the US Internal Revenue Code that allows for federal tax exemption of nonprofit organizations, specifically those that are considered public charities, private foundations or private operating foundations. It is regulated and administered by the US Department of Treasury through the Internal Revenue Service.
The complex has been working with the IRS to obtain the status for several years now. Complex Director Larry Lloyd said the purpose is to set up a foundation where people or groups can give money or goods and receive a tax credit.
“Hats off to the staff,” Lloyd said. “It’s a long process working with the IRS.”
Lloyd also gave a glimpse of what the foundation board would look like. He said the top officials of the Fair Board, including Chairman Kent McCann Vice-Chairperson Faith Harris, would join three at-large board members to form the foundation board. Both boards will be involved in the decision of the at-large members.
Commissioner Reid West questioned the reason for the start of a foundation. Complex Marketing and Events Manager Kandi Pendleton said they have noticed opportunities for larger sponsorships and have received several calls from parties interested in donating equipment.
Lloyd said they have already received a large donation and were playing the waiting game.
As the board moved away from the discussion and begin talking about maintenance projects, the donation was brought up.
Lloyd said due to the increasing demands for the kitchen, the complex will start renovating the space. The key will be the addition of a large, walk-in cooler which was donated to the Sweetwater Events Complex by McDonald’s. Lloyd said they will move the one they currently have in the kitchen to the indoor arena to help with the serving area there.
McDonald’s also donated a large freezer which Lloyd said will also go to help service in the indoor arena.
Other Renovations
– Maintenance Supervisor at the Complex Drew Dunn explained to the board there will be timer controls on the lights and the heaters around the complex. He said they hope to lower the utility costs with the changes. These changes should be made in the next few weeks.
– Lloyd also explained they will be experimenting with sound tiles in a corner of the exhibit hall. He said they want to see if they can help deaden the echo throughout the hall.
– Finally, the board discussed the rabbit barn. For the past several winters the Rock Springs American Legion baseball team, Archie Hay Post 24, has been using the facility to get a start of early practice. Lloyd said this winter they needed the hall for storage which has left the team in search of a new facility.
Lloyd explained it is a “great” program and they are doing everything they can to help find a new location. While other teams around the state have indoor facilities, Post 24 has been using the barn to stay in the running.
On Thursday, Director of Post 24 Baseball John Grossnickle said they think they have found a new location and are currently working with the owner on putting the final pieces in place.
