Happy Holidays from Laramie Main Street Alliance

As we celebrate the holidays and prepare to dream big in 2020, we invite you to make a tax-deductible contribution that will help us preserve downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality! Every dollar spent by Main Street creates additional investment in the district and has a direct and positive impact on the businesses, building owners, employees and residents of downtown Laramie. 

Over the last few months, we've been hard at work on our priority projects, creating a climate downtown for business growth, beautification, and an enhanced visitor experience. In addition to our ongoing efforts to revitalize the district, we've focused on: 

• The successful acquisition of the historic Wyo Theater 

• Improving existing and developing new business incentives 

• Launching “Made on Main” to support and grow makers, boutique manufactures, and the creative economy

• Reviewing proposed design standards for downtown that will incentivize good design and historic preservation

• Hosting promotions that increase customer traffic and drive sales

• Coordinating a series of clean up days to improve the look of the district and infuse a sense of pride among property owners 

• Redeveloping underutilized space for housing and new businesses 

• Identifying partners and sources of funds for wayfinding signs Continuation of the murals, bike racks, and farm walls as placemaking projects that beautify and enhance the district 

Thank you in advance for your fiscal support!

Laramie Main Street is a non-profit that relies on public donations to help us meet our mission critical expenses.

Donate & Make a Difference

As a 501(c)3, we rely on public donations to help us meet our mission critical expenses. We are currently raising funds for wayfinding signage, the Wyo Theater, public art, facade improvements, and holiday lights. We also appreciate gifts to our general operations that ensure our economic development, historic preservation, marketing and business coaching services remain free to any entrepreneur or property owner downtown.

Donations in any amount are appreciated and are tax deductible. 

Volunteers are the heart and soul of our revitalization efforts.

From board members who steward our big picture strategies to one-time volunteers that help with special events, we couldn't do it without you!

For more information on putting your time, talents and passions to work with us, call 307-760-3355 or email downtownlaramie@gmail.com

Volunteer with Us

Click the button below to access our volunteer application. We will do our best to match your interest with a committee and/or project that you will find rewarding!

Laramie Main Street to Participate in Brookings’ Case Study

Laramie is one of three communities chosen by the Metropolitan Policy Program at Brookings to participate in research to assess the impact of local entrepreneurship programs on economic, physical, social and civic outcomes. Along with Wheeling, West Virginia and Emporia, Kansas, Laramie will be the site of a year-long project with the Brookings Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking and National Main Street Center (NMSC) to assess the impact of place-based entrepreneurship development programs.

Small towns and rural communities have long engaged in place-based strategies to reinvigorate their local economies, build community assets, and drive inclusive growth. And although these communities have witnessed real success in bringing new businesses, amenities, and opportunities to their residents, few efforts have been made to comprehensively assess, document, and disseminate the impact of these strategies for others in the field. The Transformative Placemaking Case Studies will help fill this gap by evaluating the impact of place-based entrepreneurship strategies on key outcomes, highlighting several successful examples, and presenting replicable practices and lessons learned for the field.

“We are honored that our work is being recognized at a national level and are eager to share what is working in Laramie with other rural communities”, shared Trey Sherwood, Executive Director of Laramie Main Street.

“We are honored that our work is being recognized at a national level and are eager to share what is working in Laramie with other rural communities.”

— Trey Sherwood, Executive Director of Laramie Main Street

In partnership with local stakeholders in the three select communities, the Bass Center and NMSC will conduct on-the-ground research to assess the impact of their entrepreneurship development program on economic, physical, social, and civic outcomes. The project will involve:

•    Interviews, focus groups, and surveys with stakeholders and residents in each community; 


•    Observations of relevant programming and public spaces in each community; 


•    Quantitative analysis of indicators related to economic, physical, social, and civic outcomes; 


•    The development and dissemination of a brief capturing lessons learned and promising practices 
for the field. 


Beginning in January 2020, the Bass Center and NMSC’s experienced, multidisciplinary team will lead the implementation and dissemination of the research, and will produce actionable, policy-relevant findings for regional leaders, community and economic development practitioners, and other stakeholders. 


Sherwood states, “This study gives us the opportunity to reflect back on 15 years of work revitalizing Downtown Laramie. With a holistic approach to partnership development, community engagement, business services, events, and beautification, we have had a positive impact on Laramie’s overall economy. In the last ten years alone, we’ve documented 296 renovation projects downtown valued at $11,609,587. Five new construction projects valued at $3 million. 38 public improvements valued at $4.5 million. 104 net new businesses and 509 net new jobs. Volunteers have contributed 42,181 hours valued at $920,500 for a total reinvestment of $20,361,283. Since 2009, for every one dollar spent by Laramie Main Street, another $15.24 is invested in the district”.

“At the end of the day, our success would not be possible without the strong partnership we have with the City of Laramie, the Wyoming Business Council, Wyoming Main Street, the University of Wyoming and the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance. These stakeholders will be an important part of the case study”, shares Sherwood.

The Bass Center for Transformative Placemaking inspires public, private, and civic sector leaders to make transformative place investments that generate widespread social and economic benefits. The National Main Street Center leads a movement to strengthen communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. The two organizations are partnering to leverage their unique, multidisciplinary expertise to bring inclusive growth and prosperity to more people in more places. 


Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality. It’s strategy for revitalization is based on developing downtown as home for entrepreneurs with a focus on authentic consumer experiences and creative Third Spaces.

LMSA 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, the organization meets its goals by following the Main Street four-point approach, which includes design, organization, economic restructuring and promotion.

LMSA receives funding from the City of Laramie under a fee-for-service contract and, as a 501(c) 3, accepts tax-deductible donations and sponsorships from businesses and individuals to cover operational expenses.

Learn more at www.laramiemainstreet.org or follow along on Facebook at “Downtown Laramie Wyoming”.

Celebrating Laramie's Artists: Laramie Native Paints the Town with Living Art

By Isabel Zieres, Laramie Main Street Alliance Communications

On December 10, 1869, Wyoming was the first state to pass a law permanently guaranteeing women’s right to vote and hold office, 50 years before the rest of the nation. In 1870, Louisa Ann Swain cast the first female vote in a general election, ever, here in Laramie, Wyoming. Laramie and the rest of Wyoming are commemorating the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage this year. To celebrate Wyoming’s essential role in the advancement of women’s rights, we’ll be featuring a series of articles that focus on local female business owners and their contribution to our community.

For over a decade, artist Meghan Meier has provided the Laramie community with professional, custom tattoos. In June of 2006 Meier opened her shop, Rolling Tattoo, in the historic railroad district of downtown Laramie. Since then, she and the other artists at Rolling Tattoo have earned a list of devoted clientele that continues to grow.

Meier hasn’t always been focused on tattooing, but she has always been focused on art, and she was determined to pursue a career as an artist. After deciding to leave college in Vancouver, British Colombia, Meier developed her skills as a tattoo artist at a trade school in Detroit, Michigan. She later returned to her hometown of Laramie and opened Rolling Tattoo.

“It took a couple of years to build a reputation,” said Meier. “I never thought I’d stay in Laramie, but I’m happy I did.”

Rolling Tattoo is located on South First Street, almost hidden from the busier downtown area. Although the shop isn’t difficult to find, it’s unlikely someone visiting town would stumble upon it. Meier says her loyal customer base and occasional walk-ins are based almost solely on local word of mouth.

When asked about what it’s like to work in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Meier said the attitude towards tattoos in general has changed a lot over the last few years. The industry is now more focused on the artistry of tattoos.

“Not only are tattoos more accepted, but the art behind tattoos has blown up,” said Meier. “And women are just as good at art as men.”

— Meghan Meier, Rolling Tattoo

“Not only are tattoos more accepted, but the art behind tattoos has blown up,” said Meier. “And women are just as good at art as men.”

There is a lack of female tattoo artists in Laramie, and women may appreciate having Meier as an option to go to. Meier recognizes that some women may feel more comfortable getting a more intimate part of their body tattooed by another woman. Rolling Tattoo’s layout is made up of adjacent rooms, offering a bit more privacy than a traditional shop.

“Just go for it. Don’t feel like being a woman is a negative thing. Kick ass and take names.””

— Meghan Meier, Rolling Tattoo

Meier says the community has been very supportive of her work from the start. In 2011, Meier and a few others spearheaded the Laramie Mural Project, a development that utilizes local talent to create large-scale murals across downtown Laramie. The project allowed Meier to express herself artistically through a different medium and reach a broader audience. Meier’s future plans include working more conventions, working abroad, and finishing her sauna.

Meier was asked what advice she would give to young women who want to start a business of their own. “Just go for it. Don’t feel like being a woman is a negative thing,” said Meier. “Kick ass and take names.”

Request for Proposals: Laramie Main Street Communications Coordinator

Request for Proposals: Laramie Main Street Communications Coordinator

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is seeking applicants for the responsibility of the Communications Coordinator. This job includes marketing, branding, public relations, and strategic storytelling on various digital and print platforms for the downtown district in Laramie, WY.

Laramie Main Street’s mission is to preserve historic downtown Laramie while enhancing its social and economic vitality. The organization operates under the Wyoming Business Council’s Wyoming Main Street program and Main Street America. This position will take the lead on media relations for the organizations mission-driven projects, campaigns, fundraising efforts, events, and promotions.

Minimum Qualifications: 

The Communications Coordinator should be:

• Organized and self-motivated

• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

• Value relationships and community building

• Enjoy working with diverse stakeholders

• Be able to inspire and lead people

• Customer service oriented

• Thoughtful and patient

• Willing to try new things

• Dependable yet flexible

Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with: 

• Social media and e-mail marketing

• Graphic design (Adobe Suite and/or Canva)

• Basic photography and videography skills

• Press releases and relationships with local publications

• Written and verbal communications

The Communications Coordinator shall carry out the following:

• Maintain Laramie Main Street’s (Downtown Laramie) social media accounts

• Keep the organization’s website up-to-date

• Provide educational support for the downtown businesses via 1-on-1 meetings and group presentations

• Collaborate with local community organizations on campaigns and events, support event committees including, but not limited to, Mash Up, Brewfest Scaramie, Christmas Parade, Farmers Market, Small Business Saturday

• Represent Laramie Main Street in regards to press inquiries, public events and monthly Marketing and Promotions Committee meetings

• Collaborates closely with the Laramie Main Street Director and Program Coordinator on project and event messaging

This role is a part-time, contracted position at 10-15 hours/week. The hired candidate will begin in January 2020. Interested applicants and agencies may submit a resume, cover letter and proposal with three examples of past work to downtownlaramie@gmail.com or at 115 Ivinson Ave. by November 18th.

Celebrating Laramie's Women: Sweet Melissa Carves Iconic Local Niche, Celebrates 20 Years in Historic Downtown

By Isabel Zieres, Laramie Main Street Alliance Communications

On December 10, 1869, Wyoming was the first state to pass a law permanently guaranteeing women’s right to vote and hold office, 50 years before the rest of the nation. In 1870, Louisa Ann Swain cast the first female vote in a general election, ever, here in Laramie, Wyoming. Laramie and the rest of Wyoming are commemorating the 150th anniversary of women’s suffrage this year. To celebrate Wyoming’s essential role in the advancement of women’s rights, we’ll be featuring a series of articles that focus on local female business owners and their contribution to our community. 

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Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern was established by Melissa Murphy in August of 1999. Since its opening, Sweet Melissa’s has earned a loyal customer base and established itself as a staple of Laramie’s downtown community. 

“I was in a situation where I had the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to. I never imagined it would grow the way it has.”

— Melissa Murphy, Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern Owner

For the last 20 years, the restaurant has been the only in Wyoming that can guarantee a completely vegetarian menu. Murphy said she knew people were skeptical of vegetarian food, but she was willing to take a risk. 

When Murphy moved from Texas to Laramie, she wasn’t finding the work that she was looking for, so she made a place for herself instead. 

“I was in a situation where I had the opportunity to do something I’ve always wanted to,” she said. “I never imagined it would grow the way it has.”

Murphy explains the venture wasn’t easy at first. It took a while for the new, vegetarian only restaurant to gain traction. Back then, First Street wasn’t as frequented as it is now.

 Murphy did all of the cooking herself for the first year, with a staff of one or two servers.

“The biggest struggle when first opening the restaurant was working 16-hour days while raising two small children. Fortunately, I had family members and a husband who were very supportive with both the restaurant and the children,” Murphy said. She is proud of her family ties to Laramie and refers to Sweet Melissa’s as a family restaurant. Her niece, nephew and daughter are currently on-staff.

Pictured: Melissa Murphy, Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern Owner Photo By: Isabel Zieres

“Everyone told me this restaurant was doomed to fail, so to young women I say, don’t listen to the cynics.”

— Melissa Murphy, Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern Owner

In December 2009, the business expanded and the adjacent bar, Front Street Tavern was added. It was initially developed to be a waiting area for customers of the café, but quickly established its own identity.

Due to tourism, the busiest time of year for the business falls during summer months, when many students have left town. However, Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern are visited regularly by Laramie residents and devoted clientele.

Murphy is grateful for the support of the Laramie community. She encourages women to follow whatever path they choose, even if it means taking a risk.

“Everyone told me this restaurant was doomed to fail, so to young women I say, don’t listen to the cynics.”

Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern have been thriving for nearly 20 years. Their staff of two became a staff of now 26.

Future plans for the restaurant and bar may include renovations, but either way, Sweet Melissa Café will remain an iconic part of Laramie’s downtown business community.

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Celebrate with Sweet Melissa Café and Front Street Tavern staff and supporters on Saturday, September 7th with discounts, giveaways and more!

Laramie Main Street Gifted Historic Wyo Theater

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is excited to announce its stewardship of the historic Wyo Theater, located at 309 S. 5th Street, which they acquired through a generous donation.

“We are honored to play a role in the revival of this landmark for the enjoyment of the community. There are so many happy memories associated with this space, from first dates to showings of iconic movies and quality time with friends. As the last historic theater in downtown, this building deserves to be preserved for future generations.”

— LMSA Executive Director Trey Sherwood

“We are honored to play a role in the revival of this landmark for the enjoyment of the community. There are so many happy memories associated with this space, from first dates to showings of iconic movies and quality time with friends,” LMSA Executive Director Trey Sherwood said. “As the last historic theater in downtown, this building deserves to be preserved for future generations.”

The Wyo Theater was built in 1925 as the Crown Theater and remodeled in 1950 by Denver architect Charles Dunwoody Strong using streamline modern details. In the last five years, the theater has not been open to the public.

Historic photo courtesy the Ludwig Svenson Collection, University of Wyoming American Heritage Center

“The Wyo Theater has been such an important part of the fabric of the Laramie community, and so many of us have happy memories of it,” Susan Aronstein, Professor of English with the University of Wyoming said. “We took our kids to $3 movies there and met friends at the Sunday night film series. Now we have an amazing opportunity to revitalize and reopen the Wyo. I am really looking forward to working with Main Street and our community to make this happen”.

Sherwood shared, “We are working on a feasibility study and are finding there is a need for a mixed use, entertainment venue downtown. However, before that can happen, the building needs to be brought up to code. Moving forward, we are excited to bring our historic preservation and community engagement skills to the table and identify collaborative partners to who will work with us in the revitalization of the building”. 

“The Wyo Theater has been such an important part of the fabric of the Laramie community, and so many of us have happy memories of it. We took our kids to $3 movies there and met friends at the Sunday night film series. Now we have an amazing opportunity to revitalize and reopen the Wyo. I am really looking forward to working with Main Street and our community to make this happen.”

— Susan Aronstein, Professor of English with the University of Wyoming

“We have had many community members ask us about the Wyo theater since NU2U moved into the neighborhood. I am very excited to use the resources we have to engage the community in a project that we know everyone will be very excited to see happen,” Rob Harder, LMSA board member NU2U owner shared. “Even before it had become public I cannot count the number of people that have said they would love to help out if a Wyo project were to come together!”

Currently, LMSA is focused on the Wyo’s physical infrastructure and is exploring costs to bring the building back online. 

“Thanks to a grant from Wyoming Main Street, we are working with Wattle and Daub to create visuals for what the interior space could look like. In addition, we have received a $20,000 grant from the Guthrie Family Foundation to help replace the roof and are a recipient of a placemaking grant from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) to create a feasibility plan for live performances. Because of our supporters, we are off to a strong start. However, we will need to rely heavily on public and private partners, as well as the generosity of this community, to stabilize the building. This will be an expensive and time consuming, yet very worthwhile, project,” Sherwood explained.

To make a tax deductible contribution to the “Save the Wyo” campaign for rehabilitation costs visit: https://laramiemainstreet.org/the-wyo-theater or mail a check to 115 Ivinson Avenue, Laramie, WY 82070 care of LMSA.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is not affiliated or in any way officially connected with the Wyo Theatre, Laramie Facebook Page or www.laramiewyo.com. Information from LMSA on the status and progress of this project can be found at laramiemainstreet.org.

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality. Main Street’s services are free to any property owner or business in the historic district, which stretches from Clark to Sheridan along First, Second and Third Streets and runs down Ivinson and Grand Avenue to the Ivinson Mansion and Albany County Courthouse.  

For more information about this project, to volunteer your expertise, offer assistance or make a contribution, please reach out to Trey Sherwood at 307-760-3355 or downtownlaramie@gmail.com.

Wyoming Main Street Launches Made on Main Program in Laramie and Rock Springs

Wyoming Main Street, a program of the Wyoming Business Council, is launching a Made on Main pilot program aimed at placing small manufacturers and producers in vacant downtown spaces to enhance entrepreneurship and business diversity in downtown communities. 

Such businesses could include home brewers, artisans, food production, furniture makers, clothing, health/wellness products and more. 

“Many such businessowners have built up successful companies out of their homes and might be ready to tackle the next step of a physical location dedicated to their business,” said Desiree Brothe, community development coordinator for Wyoming Main Street. 

Wyoming is the first state in the nation to undertake this type of program. 

“We hope to create a viable program to move more of our communities forward in the small-scale production and entrepreneurship sector, as well as set an example for how this can be done elsewhere,” Brothe said.  

“We’re excited to work with Wyoming Main Street to launch this program and develop a strong support system for local producers, makers and boutique manufacturers. We believe it has the potential to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Laramie and Wyoming as a whole.”

— LMSA Executive Director Trey Sherwood

Laramie and Rock Springs applied and were accepted as the first two communities that will launch the pilot program. They will work in partnership with Wyoming Main Street and Matt Wagner from the National Main Street Center. 

“We’re excited to work with Wyoming Main Street to launch this program and develop a strong support system for local producers, makers and boutique manufacturers,” said Trey Sherwood, director of Laramie Main Street. “We believe it has the potential to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Laramie and Wyoming as a whole.” 

Research shows small-scale manufacturing and experiential retail are on the rise in terms of their ability to provide employment, diversity and an advanced customer experience. More and more, customers are seeking locally owned companies that provide outstanding customer service and a shopping experience they can’t get online. 

“Small-scale manufacturing has emerged as a powerful way to tie opportunity to place, and can fill a key missing piece in today’s local downtown and community development efforts,” Wagner said. “Today’s consumers are looking for products with a story that is locally made and appeals to their individualism. From microbrewers to apparel and bike manufacturers, many more people are beginning to blend retail, manufacturing and wholesaling opportunities at a much smaller scale, leading to growing tourism, diversified employment and well-paid job opportunities for local communities.” 

For the next six to 12 months, Laramie and Rock Springs will work to stand up this program. Once the process has been established, Wyoming Main Street will look to launch it in other Main Street communities that demonstrate capacity and ability to take part. 

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Purpose:

This one-day visit is designed to engage key small-scale producer targets, partner stakeholders and the local Main Street organization to assess key assets, areas of opportunities and gaps within the market impacting the launch and growth of the community’s small-scale producers and boutique manufactures.

Goals:

- Outline a support system that identifies areas of strengths and needs for supporting this market.
- Identify opportunities for launching and growing this target market.
- Align on key targets and pipelines for this market.
- Identify place-based and/or programmatic projects designed to support and grow the target market. (NOTE: The outcome being the development of a follow-up technical visit that would help to implement one of these projects)

MORNING SESSION -

9 AM: Discussion with Task Force to review and understand goals, current conditions, and targets based on the following Transformation Strategy: Develop downtown as a home for entrepreneurs with a focus on authentic consumer experiences and creative Third Spaces.

10 AM: Focus group of Small-Scale Producers, Makers and Manufactures

11 AM: Focus group of potential stakeholders (i.e. planning/zoning; economic development; Artisan/Crafter/Maker groups; library; college/university officials)

AFTERNOON SESSION – Open to all stakeholders and producers

1 PM: Using the Small-Scale Production Audit – Assess current strengths and gaps within the support system

2 - 2:45 PM: Discussion around key gaps and opportunities as aligned with the Transformation Strategy

3 - 3:45 PM - Discussion of Key Stakeholders/Partners – Who takes the lead on each initiative?

3:45 - 4:30 PM - Discussion of possible projects for follow-up and technical assistance from National Main Street and Wyoming Main Street

Celebration of Main Street’s Carly-Ann: Program Coordinator, Volunteer Leader, Historic Preservationist with a Vision for Our Downtown

“If you’ve volunteered with Main Street, you know how critical Carly-Ann has been to our success. She is kind, organized, a team player, hard-working, smart and dedicated. We couldn’t ask for a better champion for the Main Street movement and Wyoming. We are sorry to see her go but very excited to see what she will do on a statewide level.
”

— LMSA Executive Director Trey Sherwood

After nine years supporting efforts to revitalize downtown Laramie, Laramie Main Street Alliance Program Coordinator Carly-Ann Carruthers is transitioning to new opportunities with Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites. 

“If you’ve volunteered with Main Street, you know how critical Carly-Ann has been to our success. She is kind, organized, a team player, hard working, smart and dedicated,” Executive Director Trey Sherwood said. “We couldn’t ask for a better champion for the Main Street movement and Wyoming. We are sorry to see her go but very excited to see what she will do on a statewide level.” 

From May 2010 to September 2010 Carly-Ann worked as Laramie Main Street’s AmeriCorps member, assisting the Design Team with the creation of guidelines based on historic preservation best practices and preparing outreach materials for the Farmers Market and organizational support for the Upstairs Downtown Tours. Using her background in historic preservation and passion for Wyoming’s history, she set activated empty storefronts with displays of historic photographs, guided downtown walking tours and created a system for volunteer recruitment.
In 2011, Carly-Ann attended her first, of many, National Main Street conferences. There she discovered the joys of strategic planning and the use of historic preservation as an economic development and community-building tool. 

From 2011 to 2014, Carly-Ann stayed engaged with Laramie Main Street as a member of the Design Team and all-around go-to volunteer. She continued to attend trainings with Wyoming Main Street, build support for improvements to Third Street, reviewed façade grants, set up a volunteer database, engaged volunteers and donors, assisted with grant writing and fundraising. 

Impressed with her dedication, work ethic and smarts, in September 2014 the board hired Carly-Ann as Main Street’s first every Program Coordinator with a focus on historic preservation and volunteer recruitment. In July 2019, with Carly-Ann’s successful application to the Local Initiatives Support Corporation for a capacity building grant, her position, initially a part-time role, became full-time. 

“Carly is the perfect picture of a dedicated Main Streeter. Her dedication to our community, willingness to go above and beyond her duties and enthusiasm for change-making in any environment has undeniably been an inspiration. It has been a gift to watch her work unfold behind the scenes through countless projects, events, programs and growth spurts that have cultivated and nurtured a thriving, engaging and adored downtown district for all walks of life.

”

— LMSA Communications Coordinator Jessica Brauer

“Carly is the perfect picture of a dedicated Main Streeter,” Communications Coordinator and colleague Jessica Brauer said. “Her dedication to our community, willingness to go above and beyond her duties and enthusiasm for change-making in any environment has undeniably been an inspiration.  It has been a gift to watch her work unfold behind the scenes through countless projects, events, programs and growth spurts that have cultivated and nurtured a thriving, engaging and adored downtown district for all walks of life.”

Carly-Ann has been instrumental in providing research, historic preservation resources and design advice for property owners in the district. With her guidance, we’ve been able to save or preserve many of the original facades downtown.

She has managed the “Adopt-a-Pot” flower program, holiday lights, downtown walking tours, and is responsible for district wide clean up days. Behind-the-scenes, Carly-Ann also tracked volunteer hours, donor engagement, maintained a business database and advised on fundraising strategies. 

“Carly’s energy and can do attitude is infectious. Carly is always willing to step in and assume duties for tasks and projects when no one else is,” LMSA Board Chair and business owner Shantel Anderson said. “It has been a joy working with her and we are so lucky to have had someone as dedicated as Carly to set the bar high for staff, board members, and volunteers of Mainstreet.”

Long-standing volunteer and former board member Jerry Schmidt said, “Carly is a pleasure to work with. She is always respectful of others, ready to lead or help with the next task, has a good sense of humor, and quietly gets things done. You can depend on her.”

During Main Street events like BrewFest, Mash Up, Farmers Markets and Small Business Saturday, Carly-Ann can be found picking up trash, organizing volunteers, running tech, decorating booths, and doing the heavy lifting during setup. Sherwood shared, “Everything she did, even the smallest chore, she did with a vision for a more vibrant, thriving downtown”. 

“Carly’s energy and can-do attitude is infectious. Carly is always willing to step in and assume duties for tasks and projects when no one else is. It has been a joy working with her and we are so lucky to have had someone as dedicated as Carly to set the bar high for staff, board members, and volunteers of Mainstreet.”

— LMSA Board Chair and Business Owner Shantel Anderson

“Working with the passionate board, staff, and volunteers at Main Street has been a rewarding experience,” Carly-Ann said in regards to her transition. “I've learned so much from our downtown business owners and community leaders, and Trey is a stellar mentor who has given me countless opportunities to grow and succeed.  I will miss the energy of Downtown Laramie, but promise to continue volunteering and shopping local!”

Carly-Ann took the lead on many projects that will have a lasting impact on downtown and Laramie’s quality of life. She was the backbone for the development of the Third Street plan, the soon to be executed community-wide wayfinding (directional signage) plan, the update to the National Register nomination, and the feasibility study to save the Wyo Theater. 

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Laramie Main Street will be hiring a new Program Coordinator this fall. Applications are due September 6. Resumes, a cover letter and three references can be emailed to downtownlaramie@gmail.com. For a complete job description, visit laramiemainstreet.org/news/programcoordinator.

Laramie Main Street Alliance Now Hiring Full-Time Program Coordinator

Applicants please submit a resume, three references and cover letter outlining interest in the position detailed below to LMSA Executive Director Trey Sherwood at downtownlaramie@gmail.com or 115 Ivinson Ave. by September 6th. Questions can be sent via email or (307)760-3354.

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Laramie Main Street Alliance - Program Coordinator

Job Description and Qualifications, August 2019

The primary responsibility of the Project Coordinator is to assist the Executive Director with the daily tasks of running the Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) in accordance with our mission to preserve historic downtown Laramie while enhancing its social and economic vitality.

This position will take the lead on volunteer recruitment, coordination and retention, assist with relationship building, donor and sponsor engagement, and provide administrative and organizational support for priority revitalization projects and special events like BrewFest, the Farmers Market, Mash Up and Small Business Saturday.

Minimum Qualifications: The Project Coordinator should be

• Organized and self-motivated

• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills

• Value relationships and community building

• Enjoy working with diverse stakeholders

• Be able to inspire and lead people

• Customer service oriented

• Thoughtful and patient

• Willing to try new things

• Dependable yet flexible

Preference will be given to applicants who have experience with:

• Volunteer coordination

• Donor engagement

• Special events

• Project coordination

• Grant writing

• Main Street

• Non-profit management

This is a full-time, salaried position. Staff receives a monthly $100 stipend for health insurance, sick leave, vacation, flextime and paid professional development. Salary ranges from $30,000 to $34,000 based on experience.  See attached: Organizational Chart and Priorities list. 

The Project Coordinator shall carry out the following:

• Attend committee meetings to provide reports, guidance, and work plan oversight. Keep the committees informed of important Main Street activities, events, and work relating to that committee’s function.  

• Assist the Director in providing administrative and organizational support for priority revitalization projects updated annually by the Board of Directors.  

• Administrative duties include office management and coverage, purchasing, record keeping, filing project materials, and financial reporting for Promotion and Organization Team projects.

• Supervise interns working in the areas of outreach, fundraising and special events. 

PROMOTIONS:

• Provide administrative and organizational support for special events including checklists, permitting, booking vendors, securing musicians, equipment rentals, budgeting, tracking income and expenses, organizing sponsorship packets and invoices, and ensuring volunteer coverage. 

ORGANIZATION:

• Maintain a business, property, volunteer, sponsor, and donor database using Maestro Community Manager Software (training is available). 

• Assist Main Street’s Organization Team in the recruitment, training, and appreciation of volunteers including tracking volunteer hours, scheduling volunteers for projects and events, and coordinating an annual volunteer appreciation event.  

• Assist the Board and Organization Team with the coordination of donor outreach materials, fundraising campaigns and thank you notes. Create and implement an annual calendar of outreach strategies. Build relationships with donors and sponsors to ensure their shared goals, gifts and in kind support are being appropriately recognized.

Laramie Main Street Hosts 4th Biennial Laramie Pop-Up Artwalk

For one weekend the 4th Biennial Laramie Pop-Up Artwalk will transform downtown Laramie into a dynamic artspace filled with local art, live theatre, music, demos, and opportunities for the public to make art.  The mission is to create a downtown event that is fully inclusive and highlights our community’s visual, musical, and performing artists.  

This year’s Artwalk features local artists, musicians, performers, a few non-local guest artists partnering with local artists, as well as an Artists’ Village with a performance stage, vintage trailers, a community art making table, and overlaps with NU2U’s annual street dance on Friday night, located next to the Artist Village.

Artists are able to apply and participate. To be listed on the event map, sign up by August 1 by emailing rachellerose@gmail.com Participating artists and businesses are encouraged to make a $25 donation to help cover event costs. 

The Artwalk is organized by an enthusiastic team of creatives under the umbrella of Laramie Main Street. Performing artists are being coordinated by Anne Mason of Relative Theatrics.  

The original Artwalk was the brainchild of the Wyoming Art Party, established in 2014 by three local Laramie artists, June Glasson, Meg Thompson and Adrienne Vetter with the focus of organizing art projects and shows that connect individuals and groups, scattered throughout Wyoming, who work in different regions, disciplines (fine arts, writing, music, craft) and from different backgrounds, with the aim of creating work that truly represents art in Wyoming as it is, rather than as it is thought to be. 

Financial support for the Artwalk is provided by Laramie Main Street and the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund.

Contact information: popupartwalk@gmail.com

Artists should contact: rachellerose@gmail.com

Musicians & performers contact: am.anne.mason@gmail.com

Facebook Event Page: https://www.facebook.com/events/399686357515691/

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1467376523583539/