Wyoming Coalition Honors Senator Ogden Driskill
The Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition presented the Clarene Law Award to the state senator for his service.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Awards
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The Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition awarded the Clarene Law Award to Republican Sen. Ogden Driskill, who represents the Devils Tower area. The honor recognizes a lifetime of dedicated service to the state’s hospitality and tourism industries.
Why it matters
The award honors the legacy of the late legislator Clarene Law by celebrating individuals who provide significant service to Wyoming's tourism sector. This recognition highlights the essential role legislators play in supporting local hospitality infrastructure.
The Clarene Law Award recognizes a lifetime of contributions to the travel industry, which is supported by a dedicated lodging tax rather than general-fund dollars. The state senator also oversaw efforts to preserve the historic school building in Hulett.
The players
Ogden Driskill
He is a Republican state senator representing the Devils Tower area.
Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition
The organization represents industry interests and oversees the presentation of the Clarene Law Award.
Mike Gierau
He is a state senator who accompanied Driskill on a recent visit to Hot Springs State Park.
Clarene Law
She was a late state legislator after whom the hospitality and tourism industry award is named.
The details
Sen. Driskill, along with Sen. Mike Gierau, recently visited Hot Springs State Park in Thermopolis to consult with a new concessionaire regarding park management. Driskill also advocates for tourism-related developments in Cheyenne, including Indian horse racing and the relocation of the PRCA.
Timeline
The Wyoming Hospitality and Travel Coalition presented the award on October 22, 2026.
Sen. Driskill and Sen. Gierau visited Thermopolis on October 23, 2026.
Culture Shift
The state tourism office receives funding from Wyoming's dedicated lodging tax rather than general-fund dollars. This highlights a shift toward industry-specific revenue streams that prioritize sustainable development over reliance on broader state budgets.
Residents may see continued support for tourism-related projects, such as potential economic growth from Indian horse racing in Cheyenne. These legislative efforts aim to strengthen the local hospitality sector, which relies on lodging tax revenue for state operations.
The takeaway
Legislators like Sen. Driskill play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between public policy and private tourism growth. Residents should note how targeted funding mechanisms, such as lodging taxes, directly influence the state's ability to maintain and promote local attractions.
Further reading
Learn more about local industry recognitions in the Wyoming Awards section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Cowboy State Daily.
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