It is with heavy hearts, and the care and concern of our community, that we announce the cancelation of Downtown Laramie Brewfest 2020. In light of current conditions and future unknowns, we do not feel that we can host this event safely.
State-wide Shop Smart Shop Safe Campaign
SHOP SMART – SHOP SAFE is a statewide campaign to provide business recovery resources and free marketing ideas and materials designed to help business owners make their customers feel safe and comfortable enough to return to shopping in their stores after the COVID-19 shutdowns.
“Wyoming did a great job getting out the message about the importance of staying home and flattening the curve of COVID-19,” said Wyoming Main Street Program Manager Linda Klinck. “Now, as restrictions are lifting and businesses are opening back up, business owners are finding their customers are nervous to come back out. So, we’re providing a resource kit to help ease their customers’ minds and safely bring them back out to their shops.”
“Wyoming did a great job getting out the message about the importance of staying home and flattening the curve of COVID-19,” said Wyoming Main Street Program Manager Linda Klinck. “Now, as restrictions are lifting and businesses are opening back up, business owners are finding their customers are nervous to come back out. So, we’re providing a resource kit to help ease their customers’ minds and safely bring them back out to their shops.”
The two-part campaign is a collaboration with Wyoming Main Street, the Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce and the Wyoming Economic Development Association.
Materials include:
Shop Smart Logo and customized local logos
Window clings (provided by Wyoming Main Street)
Business recovery checklist
Marketing checklist
Window flyer and social media assets
Social media caption ideas
Window clings are available free of charge for businesses and organizations in Wyoming. To obtain free window clings, please contact Linda Klinck at linda.klinck@wyo.gov.
For the other materials mentioned above, including the checklists, flyer, and logos, please visit www.wyomingbusiness.org/shopsafe.
In addition, Wyoming Main Street, in coordination with local Main Street organizations, is hosting “Wyo Wednesdays” as part of the Shop Smart, Shop Safe campaign.
Wyo Wednesday, to be held on the first Wednesday of each month, will encourage shoppers to explore and support their downtown businesses. Promotions and events will be organized by local Main Street organizations around the state. Check out your local Main Street’s social media or website to see what is happening in your community. They may include promotions at downtown businesses, events or other activities.
The series will continue throughout the summer with a different theme each month, starting with “Locally Made” in July. A flyer template for businesses, a list of businesses producing goods locally and promotion ideas for businesses are available on the Shop Smart webpage.
For more information and to download these materials, please visit www.wyomingbusiness.org/shopsafe.
Consumer Results of Covid-19 Recovery Survey
Laramie Main Street surveyed the community to learn what dining and retail options consumers are most interested in as businesses begin to reopen and recover from Covid-19 closures. This survey served as a follow up to the previous consumer survey, to assess how consumers' needs and attitudes have changed since the beginning of the pandemic…
Support local (while social distancing) gift certificate challenge
One of the easiest things you can do to support small, local businesses in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic is to purchase gift cards. This keeps cash flowing to the businesses and you can use the gift certificates at a later time, for gifts, or to support those in service.
In order to rally our community behind the 280+ businesses downtown that provide almost 4,000 jobs, Laramie Main Street will be giving away two, $25 gift certificates each week, good at any business in our 28 block district.
For every gift card valued at $20 or more you purchase at a downtown business between March 16 - April 10, you'll be entered for a weekly drawing of a $25 downtown gift certificate.
Step 1
Reach out to your favorite downtown retailer, restaurant, or service provider and see if they offer gift card sales online or over the phone. See our list of businesses.
Step 2
Take your photo with or screenshot of the gift card and tag that business and Downtown Laramie on Facebook or Instagram. Please don’t share any personal info (i.e payment info) in the post or photo.
Not on social media? Send your contact information with a photo to downtownlaramie@gmail.com
Two winners will be drawn weekly and announced on Facebook and Instagram every Friday, now through April 10th.
Local Businesses Find Creative Ways to Serve Customers During COVID-19
Local Businesses Find Creative Ways to Serve Customers During COVID-19
Originally Posted on March 13, updated on March 16
As Wyoming responds with precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19, many local businesses are fearful of the negative economic impact that comes with social distancing. While we are all in this together and recognize that public health is a top priority for all, small businesses in our communities rely heavily on social togetherness and foot traffic to sustain operations and wages.
As a result of these concerns, local businesses are finding creative ways to serve customers.
More businesses are expected to add these services. Be sure to call your favorite retailer, restaurant, or service provider to inquiry about their options.
What can you, as a consumer, do to support local?
In an effort to support downtown Laramie’s entrepreneurial ecosystem at this time, which is made up of more than 280 businesses supporting almost 4,000 local jobs, here are a few ideas of how you, the consumer, can support local from the comfort of your home:
👉 Buy A Gift Card: Purchase a gift card or certificate now and cash in on it later! This helps small businesses keep money flowin' through the next 1-2 months and gives consumers a great reason to be local when it's finally time to gather collectively again.
👉 Shop Online or Over the Phone: See something you like on Facebook or Instagram? Call and order over the phone or take advantage of the local businesses with e-commerce via websites. Order from your favorite restaurants and retailers online - have food delivered to your office or items shipped to your home. Many local businesses also have the option to pick up at the door or curb.
👉 Leave A Review: Can't drop the cash now but still want to make sure your favorite local businesses are feelin' the love? Leave a review online and make sure others know just how much our small businesses mean to our community.
👉 Promote Social Media: Like, comment, and share posts from local small businesses. Help them increase their social media engagement so the next time they promote an event or new menu item or special sale, more folks can see it!
👉 Subscribe: Be the first to know about special tickets on sale, new events, in-store specials, and news from your favorite local businesses by subscribing to their e-newsletter. Help them grow their following by sharing it with your friends and colleagues.
When you shop and dine local, even remotely, you invest local. One of the best ways to build a vibrant Laramie, in spite of economic and social concerns, is to support the growth of our small, locally owned businesses.
For updates on how downtown businesses are innovating in response to the coronavirus, follow us on Facebook under “Downtown Laramie”.
Additional resources for community organizations, businesses, and event planners can be found on the National Main Street’s website:
https://www.mainstreet.org/howwecanhelp/resourcecenter/covid19resources
Laramie Main Street Celebrates 15 years
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!”
Sherwood Looks Back on 10 Years as Main Street Director
As Laramie Main Street begins to make plans for its 15-year anniversary, Director Trey Sherwood reflects on her 10 years with the organization.
“In honor of a decade with Main Street, I want to recognize all the volunteers, board members, staff, interns, City staff, councilors, entrepreneurs, and artists who have taken giant leaps of faith with me to invest in revitalizing downtown Laramie. My work, and our success, has been blessed by many hands sharing their time and talents.”
“In honor of a decade with Main Street, I want to recognize all the volunteers, board members, staff, interns, City staff, councilors, entrepreneurs, and artists who have taken giant leaps of faith with me to invest in revitalizing downtown Laramie. My work, and our success, has been blessed by many hands sharing their time and talents”.
Over the past 10 years, Sherwood has helped over 104 net new businesses open downtown, witnessed the creation of 484 net new jobs, documented 294 private renovation projects, utilized over 36,182 volunteer hours, and conducted 36 public improvement projects for a total of more than $17 million invested downtown.
From the acquisition of the Wyo Theater in Aug. 2019, to the award winning Laramie Mural Project she co-founded with Susan Moldenhaur in 2011, a $3 million dollar infill project with the City of Laramie and Big Hollow Food Co-op in 2017, to the multiple years of merging all the downtown entities under one organizational umbrella, Trey has been a passionate, tireless advocate for the downtown district.
“As I begin my 11th year with Main Street, I look forward to maximizing our building assets, including the Empress and the Wyo, getting the wayfinding signs installed, adopting design standards for downtown that will preserve the historical integrity of the district, reviving our façade grant program, celebrating our 15 year anniversary, and improving our business services”
Sherwood shared, “As I begin my 11th year with Main Street, I look forward to maximizing our building assets, including the Empress and the Wyo, getting the wayfinding signs installed, adopting design standards for downtown that will preserve the historical integrity of the district, reviving our façade grant program, celebrating our 15 year anniversary, and improving our business services”.
To celebrate, Sherwood is asking supporters to make a tax-deductible investment in Laramie Main Street. Checks can be made out to “LMSA” and mailed to 115 Ivinson Avenue, Laramie, WY 82070 or made online at: https://laramiemainstreet.org/getinvolved
Main Street Hires New Communications Coordinator
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the team. Her unique skills, creativity, polished images, work ethic and desire to make Laramie a great place to live makes her a wonderful ambassador for our organization!”
Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) has hired Jennifer Power as their new Communications Coordinator. She will be responsible for marketing, branding, public relations, and strategic storytelling on various digital and print platforms for the downtown district.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jennifer to the team”, shared Trey Sherwood, Director of Laramie Main Street. “Her unique skills, creativity, polished images, work ethic and desire to make Laramie a great place to live makes her a wonderful ambassador for our organization!”
Jennifer has a degree in Graphic Design with a minor in Marketing from Appalachian State University, and moved to Laramie after graduating. She worked as an in-house Graphic Designer and Marketing Assistant for 7 years. Her skills include graphic design, photography, website development, social media, email marketing, and overall marketing strategy.
“Laramie’s downtown is a special place for me – I’ve made wonderful friends at the restaurants and bars, bought gifts for my family at the shops, and accepted my husband’s marriage proposal on the downtown walking bridge. I am honored to be using my creative and technical skills to support and enhance the downtown district.” Jennifer said in regards to her new role.
When not working at LMSA, Jennifer is building her small business – Jennifer Power Art & Design. Plus, she enjoys hiking with her husband and dog, attending yoga classes, gardening, and enjoying time with friends.
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.”
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”.