Laramie Main Street joins global #GivingTuesday movement

LARAMIE, WY–Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) has joined #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving that harnesses the collective power of individuals, communities and organizations to encourage philanthropy and to celebrate generosity worldwide.

Occurring this year on November 28, #GivingTuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and the widely-recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday to kick off the holiday giving season and inspire people to collaborate in improving their local communities and to give back in impactful ways to the charities and causes they support.

“I give because a vibrant downtown means a healthy community, and a unique, fun and profound place to make a life,” LMSA Organization Committee member Maggie Bourque said. “Every time I share something like the Laramie Mural Project or the Farm Walls with someone—local or visitor—the sense of pride and excitement reminds me of how much I benefit from the strength and creativity of our community, and how lucky I am to be even a small part of helping it thrive.”

LMSA will celebrate volunteers, partners and donors who have given their time or money to the organization by featuring testimonials on the Downtown Laramie social media pages.

“Our volunteers, partners and donors are the heart and soul of Main Street,” LMSA Communications Coordinator Director Jessica Brauer said. “Many hands make light work, and we are fortunate to have the hands, talent and passion of many building a thriving downtown with us.”

“The generosity and enthusiasm of our community allows us to execute projects that make downtown thrive and ensure our economic development, historic preservation, design, outreach and marketing services remain free to business and property owners within the district.”

Those who are interested in joining Main Street’s #GivingTuesday initiative can apply to volunteer or make a tax-deductible donation.

For more details about the #GivingTuesday movement, visit the #GivingTuesday website, Facebook page or follow @GivingTues and the #GivingTuesday hashtag on social media.

Laramie rallies behind local businesses for 2017’s Small Business Saturday

Nov. 25—Laramie will celebrate the seventh annual Small Business Saturday. Over 60 local businesses will participate, offering in-house specials and promotions. The downtown historic district is expected to thrive on the government-recognized holiday.

According to the American Chamber of Commerce, local businesses are 250% more likely to donate to the community than large corporations. Since American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010, the event has continually raised over $15 billion nationwide to local businesses and communities.

"Small Business Saturday is my favorite holiday! I love seeing the community come out with smiles to support the local businesses!” Laramie Main Street Alliance executive director Trey Sherwood said. “The Shop Small movement helps residents connect to entrepreneurs as neighbors and friends. When you know the face behind the name, you're less likely to spend your hard-earned money online or in another community.”

For every $1 spent shopping in downtown Laramie, $2 is reinvested in the community, thanks to of local businesses, Sherwood said. The Laramie Main Street Alliance encourages community members to participate in a day that is beneficial to the growth of the Laramie community.

“For Laramie, shopping local is critical to maintain our streets, parks, fire and police services as the city’s budget is dependent on the sales tax that is generated by local purchases,” she said.

For more information about Small Business Saturday and the local deals that Laramie businesses will be offering, visit shopsmalllaramie.com.