Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) will kick off this year’s Laramie Farmers Market season on Friday, June 28th in Downtown Laramie. The downtown market is hosted every Friday from 3 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot north of Depot Park on S. 1st St., featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, seasonal cocktails and live music.
Laramie Main Street Alliance to Attend National Rural LISC Conference convening more than 250 rural community development experts to catalyze new opportunities in rural America
Laramie, WY — As the new member to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), Laramie Main Street Alliance is pleased to announce it will send staff to the 2019 Rural LISC Seminar, an annual national conference for rural community development professionals. This year’s Seminar will be held in Monticello, New York June 4-7 and will provide a unique forum to learn about new rural economic development opportunities; gain valuable insight on critical issues facing rural America such as the 2020 Census; develop asset building tools and organizational development strategies; and offer a networking environment for sharing knowledge with rural development colleagues from across the country.
Trey Sherwood, Executive Director for Laramie Main Street, shared her enthusiasm in being able to attend this seminar. “We are excited to be exposed to new resources for our businesses, network with other economic development professionals in rural settings, and come back fresh and empowered to roll up our sleeves and make a difference in our community”.
LISC President and CEO Maurice Jones will welcome attendees with a keynote address. Participants will engage in three days of plenary and workshop sessions organized around:
Economic Development – exploring new ways to catalyze economic development through downtown revitalization efforts, innovative wealth and skill-building strategies, and Opportunity Zones.
Capacity Building – discovering how to increase organizational capacity through bridging generational differences in the workplace, asset and property management, and innovative financing tools.
Community Development – learning about the latest rural community development trends and how to best respond to them, including the opioid crisis, transportation barriers, and fighting isolation/striving for inclusion among our LGBTQ community.
“Laramie Main Street exemplifies the very best in bringing innovative programming to their community, and we are delighted that they are attending this year’s Seminar,” said Suzanne Anarde, LISC Vice President and Rural LISC Director.
About Laramie Main Street Alliance
Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality. Laramie Main Street Alliance is a part of the State of Wyoming's Wyoming Main Street program under the Wyoming Business Council. Guided by the principles of the National Main Street Program, our organization meets its goals by following the Main Street four point approach which includes design, organization, economic restructuring and promotion. Learn more ar https://laramiemainstreet.org/mainstreet.
About Rural LISC
Launched in 1995, Rural LISC is the rural component of the largest community development support organization in the country, called LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation). For 24 years, Rural LISC has partnered with rural communities, helping to forge innovative solutions that lead to prosperity and opportunity. Rural LISC’s investments in rural America have totaled $1.25 billion in grants, equity and low-cost loan funds. Rural LISC has leveraged this investment resulting in $3.3 billion from public and private sources, to produce 35,000 affordable homes and apartments, create 4 million square feet of commercial and community space, assist 700 businesses, create 12,000 jobs and support 20 early childhood centers. By generating resources and investing in the grassroots efforts of its 89 partner community-based organizations, Rural LISC is committed to making rural communities good places to live, work, do business and raise children. Learn more at www.lisc.org/rural.
The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is seeking a Market Manager for the 2019 season. This individual should be a strong communicator, team player, self motivated and organized. Experience working with food systems, markets, events and/or non-profits is a plus. Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and three references to Shantel Anderson, LMSA Board Chair and Market Chair, at orders@starawards.promo by Feb. 8, 2019. This is a part time, seasonal position.
For more information about Laramie Main Street, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org
The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is a weekly event hosted by Laramie Main Street on Friday afternoons from the last week in June through the end of September. The market provides access to locally and regionally grown produce, farm products, local artisans and non-profits. In addition to food trucks, and and drinks and food stalls, live entertainment provides a vibrant market atmosphere. The market’s goal is to drive traffic downtown, increase sales for local entrepreneurs and create a sense of vibrancy within the Laramie community.
Manager Position
The Market Manager is a vital contributor to the planning and coordination of the vendors and supporting agencies. It is a part time position with primary responsibility being the day-to-day operation of the farmers market in the summer, but a large component of the planning occurs before the market begins in the spring. An ideal manager has strong communication skills, necessary for working with Laramie Main Street market committee, the City of Laramie, as well as a developing a close working relationship with the market vendors. The manager has a flexible schedule regarding correspondence pre-season (spring). During the market season (summer), the position includes an on-site presence at the market during all market hours, Fridays, 1 to 8 pm. The manager will report to the committee chair from Laramie Main Street’s market committee, who will set market policies. In addition, the manager will represent the market to vendors, market consumers, and to the community.
Pre-season (spring)
Review and update market application and vendor fees
Send out application to previous vendors and past waitlists
Respond to emails regarding the application process
Coordinate with committee members about permit acquisition and requests for assistance from the City of Laramie:
Waste
Streets
Parks
Work with committee members to schedule weekly musical entertainment and other market needs (i.e. portable toilets)
With assistance from Main Street’s fundraising committee, contact past and potential sponsors of the SNAP incentive
Review applications, build a map and proposed vendor list; review with committee members
Contact approved vendors
Prepare a letter for vendors reminding them of rules and expectations
Coordinate with LMSA committee about an advertising campaign for the market; ensure the vendor application and payment options are available online
Confirm payment systems are functioning (EBT, Square, and PayPal)
Prepare a formal report to the committee about the upcoming market season
In-seasonMarket Season (summer)
Respond to email and phone requests for the market
Weekly duties:
Confirm market layout and vendor list for the specific date
Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot
Organizing vendors into locations*
Erect market tent and music tent*
Arrange trash and other temporary market features*
Communicate with vendors about updates, issues, and questions*
Facilitate the Market Money program (collecting payments via credit/debit and EBT cards in exchange for tokens for use with the market vendors)*
Collect remaining payments from vendors (if not processed online)*
Closing the market by breaking down market tents*
Walk the the market location and collect trash*
Deposit market fees
Track income and expense and provide weekly reports to LMSA’s accountant
Communicate with committee chair about needs, issues and other pertinent information as necessary
*Many of these duties are done in conjunction with the Market Assistant who is available weekly during the market
Post-season/Wrap up
Coordinate with committee surveys for customers, vendors, and downtown businesses
Prepare a formal report to the committee about the market season, including recommendations for future years
New Year’s Resolutions aren’t just for individuals. As part of its ongoing work to revitalize downtown Laramie, Laramie Main Street is seeking feedback from the public on what they want downtown to be like in the future.
“We all have things we love about downtown and things we wish were different. This process is a great opportunity for our community, business owners, consumers, partners and volunteers to document their thoughts in a way that will influence our strategies moving forward” said Laramie Main Street Director, Trey Sherwood.
As part of a refresh to the Main Street 4-point approach, economic vitality, design, organization and promotion, downtown Laramie will adopt “Transformation Strategies” with assistance from National Main Street and Wyoming Main Street.
Based on broad community input, Main Street will be adopting measurable strategies that over the course of several years will bring about positive, intentional change in downtown’s economy. The strategies will focus on expanding a specific type of business or meeting the needs of certain types of customers.
The short survey, asking things like, “What are the top issues facing downtown” and “what business types would you like to see downtown” will be open January 7 – 17 via www.laramiemainstreet.org. It can also be accessed directly through this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/KPBN3KX
Survey results will be reviewed by the Laramie Main Street board at 5 pm on January 22 at 115 Ivinson Avenue during a visit with National Main Street staff. For more information about the “Transformation Strategy” process or to get involved, email downtownlaramie@gmail.com.
#1. This fall, National Main Street picked Laramie as one of five featured communitiesmodeling the success of the Main Street model. It was an absolute honor to be chosen and a joy to brag about the community we love!
#2. We opened the doors to the all-new Big Hollow Food Co-Op thanks to the shared vision and support of our partners at the Wyoming Business Council and The City of Laramie!
#3. We exceeded our Giving Tuesday goal and raised over $2,500 in one day thanks to all of you!
#4. We kicked off 2018 by merging with the Downtown Laramie Business Association, adopting a full-calendar of your favorite events and allowing us to cheer for Laramie with more resources, volunteers and opportunities to connect on the streets!
#5. Working with the Laramie Public Art Coalition (LPAC), we completed Gill Street, the collaborative fish mural seen from 1st Street including unique fish from 20+ local artists!
#6. We added two new high-capacity bike racks to the streets of downtown. Spot these beauties, designed by local artist Meg Thompson and installed by our friends at The City of Laramie, in front of Coal Creek Coffee and Pedal House!
#7. We moved! The LMSA offices moved from Grand Ave. to our new location at 115 Ivinson Ave. We are nestled between The Chocolate Cellar and Sweet Pickles, and are loving all the new sites and sounds of this block; the oldest part of the commercial district.
#8. You may have noticed something new at The Wyo Theater. We changed the sign! Have an idea of what you'd like the marquee to say for the new year? Send us your ideas!
#9. Speaking of moving and all-new, we expanded the Downtown Laramie Farmer's Market! Moving the location allowed us to welcome all-new vendors, activate the adjacent green space and plug in new placemaking and community projects like The Toy Library and the Story Booth!
#10. In 2018 we set our sights on supporting you. We continued hosting Coffee + Conversations, a peer-to-peer gathering for business and property owners to expand and grow their businesses, and continued to work to create opportunities for coaching and support that helps your business thrive!
[Bonus #11: Main Street staff celebrated big in 2018, from dancing on the streets to sharing our success stories among our economic development peers throughout Laramie, across Wyoming and beyond. WEDA took us to Evanston and Main Street America to Kansas City. Our Small Business Saturday caught the attention of the Business Council and Livability said we were one of the Top 100 places to live. Nothing feels better than representing our organization and the community we love!]
A big thank you to the businesses, property owners, volunteers, donors and downtown lovers for making our 2018 one for the books!
Interested in supporting Laramie Main Street in the new year?
Learn how you can lend Laramie Main Street a hand!
Business Donations:
Ivinson Memorial Hospital
Anong’s Thai Cuisine
The Mortgage Source
The Chocolate Cellar
Big Dipper Ice Cream
Cowboy Glass
Works of Wyoming
Spic and Span Laundromat
Dodd’s Shoe Co.
Laramie Basecamp
Poppy’s
CPA Group of Laramie
Herb House
Behavior Science Investigations
Mountain Valley Bridal
Sensuous She
Bent and Rusty
Gallery West/Frame Plant
Atmosphere Mountain Works
Albany County Tourism
Mountain Valley Property
Bart’s Flea Market
504 Partnership
Back of the Wagon Antiques
Corthell and King
Coal Creek Coffee
Coal Creek TAP
Steam Vapour
Quilt Essentials
Ruby’s on Grand
Altitude Chophouse and Brewery
Speedgoat
Relative Theatrics
Sweet Melissa’s Vegetarian Café
Travel Inn
Star Awards and Promos
The Local Crowd
Individual Donors:
Lars Kotthoff
Rick Fisher
Carly Ann Carruthers
Kim Vincent
Rebecca Raybould
Ann Accuf
Ray Olson
Margaret Brown
Jessica Brauer
Jon Weibe
Bonnie Miller
Nathan Potter
Trey Sherwood
Shantel Anderson
Effie Bader
Julie Obert
Claudia Woods
Dianne Bruner
Favian Hernandez
Susan Moldenhauer
Andrea Graham
Rine Kaschow
Anne Alexander
Meghan Lockwood
Jacqueline Grimes
Jill Ottman
KC Vernon
Kathleen Bertoncelj
Christy Smith
Fred Schmechel
Maggie Bourque
Diane Wolverton
Glenda Earl
Stephanie Gies
Erin Rose
Jerry Schmidt
May 5, 2018 marks the 150th anniversary of the Union Pacific “rolling into town,” thus establishing Laramie as an “end of tracks” town. With the establishment of law and order, the commercial core district, local government, the Wyoming Territorial Prison and University of Wyoming, the town began to flourish.
To celebrate 150 years in the “Gem City,” Laramie’s 150th anniversary committee, made up of museums, historic sites, libraries and archives, the Albany County Tourism Board, Laramie Main Street, the Laramie Boomerang and the City of Laramie, invites the community to be part of this yearlong celebrations.
From a kick off weekend with events at the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site and Laramie Railroad Depot May 4 - 6 to mark the 150th anniversary to new exhibits at local museums, a fall lecture series at the American Heritage Center, historic walking tours downtown, family friendly activities, and custom memorabilia, we are excited to celebrate 150 years of history on “The Gem City of the Plains”.
To host a successful series of events and produce 150th themed merchandise, the anniversary committee has identified the need to raise $30,000 from individuals, businesses, foundations and grants. We are currently one-third of the way to our fundraising goal and are inviting the community to contribute. We are challenging 150 individuals to give $150 dollars by visiting
http://visitlaramie.org/laramie150 or taking a check made to “Albany County Tourism Board” with “150” in the memo line to First Interstate Bank.
Businesses wishing to sponsor should contact the fundraising committee for more information about donor levels and opportunities for recognition:
Devin Stalder, 307-399-0967, djstalder@cityoflaramie.org
Todd Feezer, 307-721-5260, tfeezer@cityoflaramie.org
Trey Sherwood, 307-760-3355, downtownlaramie@gmail.com
Mike Gray, 307-745-4195, admin@visitlaramie.org
For more information about events scheduled for the 150th anniversary, visit: http:/visitlaramie.org/laramie150
The application process for the 2018 Laramie Farmer's Market season will be open from Feb. 1 until April 15. The committee will review the submissions and notify the applicants by May 1st.
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.
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.
