Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is celebrating its 15th anniversary as an accredited Main Street program. March 2005 marked the month that Laramie filed to become part of the National Main Street Program and was admitted later that year in October. Laramie was seen by many as a test community for the Main Street approach in Wyoming and has proved that this grassroots method, along with enthusiasm from the community, staff, and volunteers can lead to significant revitalization.
“This is an important year for Laramie Main Street...” said Trey Sherwood, LMSA Director, “...not only to share and reflect on the work that’s already been done but to look forward to the future of our organization and downtown. So many people have made Laramie what it is today and we hope to inspire and involve community members to join in the fun of revitalizing and supporting downtown Laramie.”
“This is an important year for Laramie Main Street...” said Trey Sherwood, LMSA Director, “...not only to share and reflect on the work that’s already been done but to look forward to the future of our organization and downtown. So many people have made Laramie what it is today and we hope to inspire and involve community members to join in the fun of revitalizing and supporting downtown Laramie.”
In 15 years, Laramie Main Street has grown from a staff of 1 to 2 full-time and 2 part-time staff and helped 138 net new businesses open downtown, witnessed the creation of 607 net new jobs, documented 365 renovation projects, utilized over 56,397 volunteer hours, and conducted 50 public improvement projects for a total of more than $25 million invested downtown.
In addition, the organization has, with the help of what was the Downtown Laramie Business Association, has put on 15 plus years of special events, including Brewfest, Farmers Market, Scaramie, the holiday parade, Downtown Mash Up, along with many new events like Small Business Saturday, the Pop Up Art Walk, and upcoming International Flavor Festival.
To kick off the year long 15th Anniversary celebration, LMSA will be hosting open houses at their 115 Ivinson Ave. office, on Tuesday, March 24th. Each session will focus on a different topic and preview how you can get involved in upcoming initiatives. Laramie residents are encouraged to stop by to learn more, talk with the staff, and network with downtown volunteers and business owners.
8:00 am - 9:30 am - Coffee & Conversation with Downtown Businesses - chat with staff and your peers about small, yet impactful ways your business can make a difference. We’ll also be reviewing Main Street business services and downtown development trends.
12:00 noon - 1:30 pm - Downtown Reflections - bring your lunch and engage in conversation with Main Street staff about where downtown has been, and where it is going. Share your memories of downtown, discuss plans and priorities for the future, and ask your burning questions!
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm - Evening Open House for New and Existing Volunteers - want to get more involved, help downtown, and meet great people? Learn more about volunteering and how to participate in our upcoming 15th Anniversary initiatives.
“We hope that we will see you at our office to learn more about where Main Street has been and where we are going in our 15th year!”