Cheers to 15 years! Main Street hosts 15th Laramie Brewfest

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) will host the 15th Laramie Brewfest, their primary fundraising event on Saturday, July 10 at Depot Park in Downtown Laramie. 

Laramie’s Brewfest hosts over 2,000 participants sampling beers, listening to live music and connecting with local vendors, while raising funds to ensure LMSA’s services remain free to every business, building owner, and entrepreneur in the downtown district. Funds are also allocated for downtown improvement projects, beautification, and public art. This year attendees can expect to enjoy samples from over 40 brewers from across the country, local food trucks and live music from Chanman Roots Band and 10 Cent Stranger.

“It’s nice to be back this year, especially at a time when people feel safe to gather again. My favorite part of Brewfest is the fundraising portion of it, to be able to support a great organization like Main Street. People look forward to Brewfest each year, and it’s fun to coordinate an event that our community wholeheartedly supports and has a lot of fun participating in, as well”

— Karen Robillard

“It’s nice to be back this year, especially at a time when people feel safe to gather again. My favorite part of Brewfest is the fundraising portion of it, to be able to support a great organization like Main Street. People look forward to Brewfest each year, and it’s fun to coordinate an event that our community wholeheartedly supports and has a lot of fun participating in, as well,” Laramie Brewfest coordinator Karen Robillard said.

Presale tickets are available for purchase at laramiemainstreet.org/brewfest for $35 for General Admission and $55 for VIP - only a limited number of VIP tickets are still available. Limited General Admission tickets may be available at the gate on the day of the event for $45. Doors open for General Admission ticket holders at 1:30 p.m. and VIP entry will open at 11:30 a.m.

More details about local sponsors, participating brewers and Laramie Main Street Alliance are available at laramiemainstreet.org/brewfest or by contacting LMSA’s Communication Coordinator Jennifer Power at marketing@laramiemainstreet.org

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as 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. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org

Main Street 2021 Kicks off Farmers Market Season

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) will kick off this year’s Laramie Farmers Market season this Friday, June 25th in Downtown Laramie. The downtown market is hosted Fridays until September 24th (except July 9) from 3 to 7 p.m. in the parking lot north of Depot Park on south 1st St., featuring fresh produce, handmade goods, seasonal cocktails, and live music.

“I am most looking forward to seeing the community come together for this wonderful event that promotes and highlights local non-profits, makers, businesses, and artists. I thoroughly enjoy watching our community enjoy the Laramie summer by attending the market and  I cannot wait to purchase local produce and baked goods!”

— Kayla Matlock, Farmers Market Manager

"I am extremely excited to take over as the Farmers Market Manager this year,” Kayla Matlock, the new market manager, said. “I am most looking forward to seeing the community come together for this wonderful event that promotes and highlights local non-profits, makers, businesses, and artists. I thoroughly enjoy watching our community enjoy the Laramie summer by attending the market and  I cannot wait to purchase local produce and baked goods!" 

This year’s market season will feature over 60 vendors and organizations offering prepared food, fresh produce, artisan goods, activities and more; host weekly local musicians; as well as offer SNAP benefits, a nutrition assistance program provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. SNAP funds will receive a one-hundred percent match up to $20 thanks to our generous local sponsors; NU2U, Big Hollow Food Coop, UniWyo Federal Credit Union, Plenty Unlimited Inc., and Ivinson Memorial Hospital.

More details about local sponsors, participating vendors and Laramie Main Street Alliance are available at laramiemainstreet.org/farmersmarket or by contacting LMSA’s Communication Coordinator,  Jennifer Power at marketing@laramiemainstreet.org or Farmers Market Director, Kayla Matlock at farmersmarket@laramiemainstreet.org.

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as 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. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org.

Laramie Main Street Hosts Open House May 27th

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) will host an Open House on Thursday May 27th at the Laramie Railroad Depot from 5:30- 7:30 pm. The purpose of this event is to share with the public the programs that LMSA has to offer. 

New and interested volunteers are encouraged to attend this event to learn about the programs and services that LMSA has to offer. Current board members and volunteers of the organization will be in attendance to share their experiences. LMSA will also be sharing about upcoming events and summer volunteer opportunities. Food will be provided. 

This will also be an opportunity for Main Street to recognize the amazing achievements of the organization in the past year. 

Jessica Brauer, LMSA Board Member and Organization Committee Chair is excited to share our accomplishments. “We are excited to be able to once again connect with the Laramie community in person, as well as recognize the projects, programming, and pandemic-safe events Laramie Main Street has been able to host over the last 18 months. We are so lucky to have staff, volunteers, businesses, and local champions who have made this last year what it was, despite the circumstances, and we hope to see all of them at this long due celebration.” 

“We are excited to be able to once again connect with the Laramie community in person, as well as recognize the projects, programming, and pandemic-safe events Laramie Main Street has been able to host over the last 18 months. We are so lucky to have staff, volunteers, businesses, and local champions who have made this last year what it was, despite the circumstances, and we hope to see all of them at this long due celebration.”

— LMSA board member Jessica Brauer

For more information about the event or LMSA as an organization, please visit our Facebook Page @DowntownLaramie or visit laramiemainstreet.org. 

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Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality.

Laramie Main Street Alliance is a 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization, operating as 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. More information can be found at laramiemainstreet.org.

We're Hiring: Farmers Market Manager & Assistant

Job Application Period has closed

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is hiring for two part-time seasonal positions with the Downtown Farmers Market for Summer 2021. Applicants should be strong communicators, able to work with a team, self motivated, and organized. Experience working with entrepreneurs, food systems, markets, budgets, events and/or non-profits is preferred. Both positions require flexible schedules. 

For Questions please contact our Program Coordinator Bailey Payton at coordinator@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, drinks and food stalls, live entertainment provides a vibrant market atmosphere. The market’s goal is to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs (from market to storefront), support food based manufacturing, drive traffic downtown, increase sales for local businesses, and create a sense of vibrancy within the Laramie community. 

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Market Manager Position

A part time position with primary responsibilities being the day-of operation of the farmers market in the summer, planning for the event in the spring, and the identification of food based manufactures using the market as a platform to grow their business. This position reports to the LMSA Farmers Market committee chair and the LMSA Program Coordinator. 

Duties: 

Pre-season (Spring)

• Attend regular market planning meetings

• Attend LMSA training

• 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 Laramie Main Street’s ORG Team, 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 and survey them regarding their desires to grow/expand their business

• Provide information about LMSA and local economic development business services (see Small Business Handbook)

• Prepare a letter for vendors reminding them of rules and expectations

• Send and collect 2021 vendor contracts from accepted vendors

• Coordinate with 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

Market Season (Summer) 

Must be available Fridays 1-8pm June 25th- September 24th 2021

• Respond to email and phone requests for the market

• Weekly duties:

• Confirm market layout and vendor list for the specific date

• Put out street closure and lot closure signs 24hrs in advance 

• Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot

• Organizing vendors into locations* 

• Set up 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 market location and collect trash*

• Deposit market fees and provide a financial report to the committee chair and LMSA Director

• Ensure vendors are following guidelines outlines in vendor contract

• Take down market amenities (trashcans, handwashing stations) and clean up lot after market close

• Provide weekly income and expense reports to LMSA’s accountant

• Communicate with committee chair about needs, issues and other pertinent information as necessary 

• Represent Laramie Main Street and the Farmers Market to vendors, market consumers, and the community

* Duties are done in conjunction with the Market Assistant

Post-season/Wrap up

• Coordinate with committee to create and send  Mail Chimp surveys for customers, vendors, and downtown businesses

• Complete LMSA Event Evaluation 

• Coordinate with LMSA accountant to finalize market income and expense numbers 

• Prepare a formal report to the committee about the market season, including recommendations for future years

• Prepare a report to LMSA’s Economic Vitality Team regarding vendors that took advantage of our additional business services and/or food based/manufactures that need assistance in order to grow.

This position pays $7000 per market season

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Assistant Market Position

The Farmers Market Assistant is a part-time summer position, the primary responsibilities are assisting the Market Manager with the day-of operation of the Market, and assisting the Market Intern with market promotional content. This position reports to the Market Manager and LMSA Farmers Market Committee chair.

Duties: 

Must be available Fridays 1-8pm June 25th- September 24th 202

• Attend LMSA training Pre-market 

• Assist the market manager with the following market operations day-of :

• Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot

• Organizing vendors into locations

• Set up 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 market location and collect trash

• Take down market amenities (trashcans, handwashing stations) and clean up lot after market close

• Represent Laramie Main Street and the Farmers Market to vendors, market consumers, and the community

• Assist Market Intern with market related content such as taking photos or videos during the market

This position pays $2000 per market season

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If you have additional questions about the positions you can reach Bailey at coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org or (307)-222-9880

For more information about Laramie Main Street, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org

Laramie Main Street Partners with United Way of Albany County and Community Donors to Provide Additional Downtown Payroll Grant Funds

Laramie, WY - Following the success of the Downtown Restaurant Payroll Grant in December 2020, Laramie Main Street is once again partnering with United Way of Albany County to bring a second round of grant funds. Donations from ANB Bank, The Mortgage Source Inc. and Ivinson Memorial Hospital helped make this second grant possible, along with individual donations from John Nutter, Suzanne Lewis, and many other generous community minded individuals. 

The effects of Covid-19 continue to impact small Laramie businesses, with many experiencing reduced foot traffic and a decrease in sales.This grant is intended to alleviate concern related to payroll expenses for businesses within the designated historic district. The first round payroll grant was able to support 21 Downtown eating and drinking establishments which collectively employ 90 full time employees and 287 part time employees. 

Any businesses in the Downtown Development Authority boundaries, as defined in Laramie Main Street’s by-laws as its service area, are encouraged to apply for grant funds by February 22. Funds will be dispersed by February 25. Preference will be given to businesses with decreased sales, and businesses who are following health orders outlined by the State of Wyoming Governor’s Office and Albany County Public Health. The grant application can be found at http://www.laramiemainstreet.org/grants. Businesses who received first round grant funding will not be eligible to apply again. 

“We feel that healthy community non-profits and thriving local business go hand in hand.  For years, our local restaurants and businesses have provided immeasurable support to our non-profits, from hosting events to donating fundraiser items. United Way’s hope is that we can repay this generosity and help business owners maintain jobs.”

— Evelyn Edson, United Way of Albany County

"The United Way of Albany County is excited to see a second round of payroll grants for local downtown businesses,” said Evelyn Edson, Executive Director. “We feel that healthy community non-profits and thriving local business go hand in hand.  For years, our local restaurants and businesses have provided immeasurable support to our non-profits, from hosting events to donating fundraiser items. United Way’s hope is that we can repay this generosity and help business owners maintain jobs.” 

Anne Alexander, University of Wyoming Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and United Way of Albany County Board Secretary, stated “These are unprecedented times; I think we need to do everything we can to help.”

“It is awesome to see individuals in our community come together so quickly to support our local businesses in their time of need. I think everyone realizes how much character these establishments and the people working for them bring to the Downtown, and we all get the opportunity to benefit from it. I am grateful for everyone who stepped up to help our beloved businesses weather the storm,” said Bailey Payton, Main Street Program Coordinator.

Individuals interested in contributing to the grant program can visit  laramiemainstreet.org to make a tax-deductible donation. 

For businesses outside the historic district, Covid Relief Grants are available through the Laramie Chamber Business Alliance at https://laramie.org/covid-relief-grants-loans/

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Laramie Main Street Alliance, a 501(c) 3 strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its social and economic vitality.

The mission of United Way of Albany County is to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another. Learn more at: https://unitedwayalbanycounty.org

Downtown Design Standards Update from LMSA

LMSA supports the proposed amendments to the UDC as they are in line with national best practices in downtown redevelopment and strategies documented in the 2012 Downtown Development Plan. While we support holistically the adoption of Design Standards in order to preserve the unique character of the downtown district; taking into consideration the economic downturn and feedback received, at this time, we recommend focusing on the standards that encourage new construction so  it is easier to build and more effective do business downtown, as well as still providing continuity of design for the district.

We believe these standards include:

• For new construction, remove the building height limit and allow for a 30 feet minimum 

• Ensure parking requirements for all new construction, both commercial and residential are the same (i.e. no parking requirement)

• For new construction, allow developers to build lot line to lot line, with an 80/20 minimum to maximize land use in the district

• For new construction, support the installation of 70% storefront window transparency

After feedback from businesses and property owners, Main Street understands the timing is not right for full adoption of the design standards. In the midst of the pandemic and economic crises, businesses, developers, and downtown advocates haven’t had the bandwidth to fully understand how these changes will impact them. There is a perception that these standards will place a burden on entrepreneurs. 

To assist in the improvement of economic conditions, Laramie Main Street believes the focus at this time should be on making it easier to do business downtown. By updating design standards for new construction, we support budding entrepreneurs, developers, and investors in growing the diversity of businesses within the district. A strong mix of both new and existing businesses benefits us all by driving additional traffic downtown, increasing property values, and generating new sales. 

Once Laramie gets back on its feet, LMSA will work with the Planning Dept. to bring back the remaining standards that will assist the commercial district in maintaining its economic and cultural vibrancy. We believe by preserving downtown’s built environment, including authentic building materials, transparency and historic storefront styles, we are creating  a more resilient local economy for years to come. 

2020 Silver Linings

This year has been a learning experience for everyone to say the least. But amid all the changes and struggles we are thankful for what we were able to accomplish in 2020. Because of the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, board members, local businesses and staff, Laramie Main Street Alliance is grateful for these projects we were able to achieve during our 15 year anniversary:

1. Covid resources: When the pandemic reached Wyoming, we transitioned our website and e-news to include helpful Covid related resources for both consumers and businesses. These ranged from fun activities to do at home, safe ways to support businesses, links to health guidelines, free trainings and grant opportunities for businesses. 

2. Gift Card Challenge: Early in the spring, when we were first experiencing restrictions due to Covid, we launched a gift card challenge! Gift cards are an easy way to support businesses that were not able to operate as usual - so we challenged the community to purchase gift cards to local businesses to be entered to win Downtown gift certificates! 

3. Virtual guides:  This year we have developed and published 2 virtual shopping guides - these list out ways you can shop with local businesses and restaurants online!  A one stop place for your online shopping needs! We did a spring edition and Holiday edition!

4. Laramie Marketplace: With the help of Hits 106 we assisted in the launch of Laramie Marketplace - it’s a central location to purchase gift cards online, view menus, or see available jobs for local laramie businesses. 

5. Hollyhock Commons: In partnership with the City of Laramie and Laramie Public Art we assisted with the creation of Hollyhock Commons. This innovative outdoor dining area provided additional eating opportunities for the community to enjoy local restaurants. Eight picnic tables with umbrellas were set up by the Hollyhock mural for Laramie residents and visitors to enjoy takeout food and alcoholic beverages (with the approval of an open container district for the summer)!  Planters and signs created by local artists made the area cozy and bright! A true collaborative effort to support downtown restaurants, breweries, and bars! 

6. Shop Safe Shop Smart: this summer we collaborated with Wyoming Main Street, Wyoming State Chamber of Commerce, and Wyoming Economic Development Association for a statewide campaign. “Shop Smart” refers to the importance of shopping locally and supporting your local economy. “Shop Safe” focuses on shopping with new safety standards in mind – which include social distancing, increased sanitation, customer limits, alternative ways to shop, and more. Across the state communities used materials to showcase safety measures and remind communities to shop local!

7. Temporary mural at the Wyo Theater with LPAC: Earlier this fall, LMSA partnered with Laramie Public Art and a University of Wyoming printmaking class to install an evolving and ever changing mural at the Wyo Theater.  Students working in groups created a mural by adding to and responding to elements installed by the team before them. The result was a dynamic and engaging mural reflective of the challenges of 2020. 

8. Creating Covid safe events such as the Farmers Market, Ghostchase, and Pop up Art Walk.  This year we’ve had to rethink our usual line up of events! Even though we couldn't have all our events we had many that were able to be altered to be Covid Safe. The summer farmers market was adapted this year to include safety standards for vendors and patrons and a new larger area for the market! In September LMSA helped facilitate 20 artists set up a pop-up shop at a variety of downtown businesses - turning downtown into an art gallery for an entire week!  This Halloween we partnered to put on a community wide Ghost hunt - a fun and safe scavenger hunt! 

9. The Power of 5 with United Way: Laramie Main Street and  United Way of Albany County  worked together to bring the Power of $5! We challenged the community to shop and dine downtown in at least 5 participating Power of 5 stores or restaurants - each of which had a special $5 promotions.

10. Improvements to the Wyo: The Wyo theater, built in 1925 as the Crown Theater, remodeled in 1950 with streamline modern details, was donated to Laramie Main Street in the fall of 2019. This year we were able to fix the leaky roof at the Wyo Theater, as well as developing a plan to restore the facade and having the building systems (plumbing, electrical and HVAC) inspected, all big steps in getting the building in working repair! This work would not have been possible without grants from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund and LISC.

11. Crowdfunding Campaign: To celebrate our 15 year anniversary (and recoup funds lost from the cancelation of Brewfest) we launched a crowdfunding campaign to support LMSA.  We were overjoyed with the number of incentive/reward donations we received from local businesses along with generous cash match donations! And together we raised $19,000 to ensure our services remain free to the 290 businesses located downtown.

12. Cowboy Cash program with UW:  Released on October 30th, UW’s “Cowboy Cash” program gave $50 in gift certificates to UW students living on campus with a meal plan. The goal - to provide students with additional dining and shopping options and help offset financial losses experienced by local businesses.  As of Dec. X, businesses in the Laramie community had received $X, thanks to “Cowboy Cash” student purchases.

13. Train Lighting: This year we wanted the holidays to be extra special - so we decided to light up the train in depot park! Thanks to the generosity of the community who donated lights and with the help of the City of Laramie Parks and Rec departments and the Historic Train Depot board members, we were able to light up 4 train cars! And we had a special guest visit when we lit up the train cars - check out the video here.

14. Brookings Institute study: In late 2019, Laramie Main Street began a partnership with Main Street America and The Brookings Institution  to develop a case study for hyper-local, place based community development. The data collected was compiled into case studies exploring why Main Street programs are a key driver of economic recovery in rural America, why rural businesses need local solutions to survive, and how rural resilience depends on flexibility, accessible, built environments and where work is still needed to bridge social divides. Read the full series here.

15. Restaurant Payroll Grant - Because Locally owned brick and mortar restaurants, and their employees, were struggling from the effects of Covid 19, Laramie Main Street has partnered with United Way of Albany County, Blue Federal Credit Union, Toyota of Laramie, Premier Bone and Joint, Trihydro Corporation, and UniWyo Federal Credit Union to create a “Downtown Restaurant Payroll Grant”. This grant offered up to $1,500 in payroll assistance to businesses. We are proud of the partnerships and how quickly everyone was able to pull this together to support our community at the end of 2020. In under two weeks, we have provided $30,000 in grant funds to 21 businesses which support 90 FT and 287 PT jobs.

Main Street Celebrates 15 Years with Crowdfunding Campaign

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is excited to celebrate 15 years of serving Downtown Laramie with a crowdfunding campaign, set to launch Thursday, October 15th. The campaign will be hosted through The Local Crowd, a community based crowdfunding platform that allows individuals to support local initiatives. 

The mission of Laramie Main Street is to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality. In the last 15 years, Main Street has ensured economic development, historic preservation, marketing, and business coaching services remained free to any entrepreneur or property owner downtown. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, it relies on tax-deductible donations and income from events like Laramie Brewfest  to make this possible. This campaign is crucial to helping the organization continue to meet mission-critical expenses and recoup losses from those events not taking place this year.

“We’ve had so many local businesses support us in this effort and provide amazing incentives and cash matches to our crowdfunding campaign. We are excited to launch on the 15 year anniversary of our organization and engage the community in our efforts to revitalize downtown.”

— Trey Sherwood

“This year we weren’t able to put on our biggest fundraising event, Brewfest, so we’ve had to get creative on obtaining funding to meet our operating expenses and continue to provide services to downtown businesses.”  Explained Trey Sherwood, LMSA Executive Director. “We’ve had so many local businesses support us in this effort and provide amazing incentives and cash matches to our crowdfunding campaign. We are excited to launch on the 15 year anniversary of our organization and engage the community in our efforts to revitalize downtown.”

 The campaign goal is to raise $20,000 by November 15th. Visit laramiemainstreet.org/15years to donate and view the rewards from local businesses available in exchange for your contribution. There are also many cash matches available from local sponsors so contributions double their impact! 

An advance thank you to our community for preserving Downtown Laramie’s history, supporting local businesses and raising funds for 15 more years of development, celebration, and love for our town!