Hi! I’m Abby and I am Laramie Main Street Alliance’s Sustainability Intern! I am a current Sophomore at UW and a double major in Environmental Systems Science and Environmental Natural Resources. Growing up in New Jersey I found I had a passion for the environment and wanted to find ways to save the planet. As a part of that initiative, leading up to Small Business Saturday on November 27th, I am writing four different sustainability profiles on businesses downtown: NU2U, Atmosphere Mountainworks, Big Hollow Food Co-Op, and Jodie Atherton’s Art. I am super excited for this project and really want to accentuate how shopping locally is green. It’s simple, but so effective. Downtown is often more accessible than the larger businesses uptown and cycling money through local business owners promotes town-wide positivity! Join me in reducing carbon emissions and stimulating the local economy by taking a walk downtown for some early Christmas shopping.
Sustainability Spotlight: NU2U
The countdown has begun! Small business Week (November 26th - December 4th) is in approximately three weeks! We are showcasing four downtown businesses who prioritize sustainability. First on the list, NU2U and NU2U Sports run by owners Rob and Chelsea and their 22 employees. With over 13,000 consignment contracts created since their 2004 opening both stores have certainly had an impact in the community. NU2U is a thrift store that allows the public to consign clothes, or give their clothes to the store for a determined price with the ability to earn half of the ticket price if the clothing is bought; clothes are also often donated to the store. NU2U sports follows the same model except with a strong focus on sporting goods.
Why is shopping locally sustainable?
There are many benefits to shopping locally that not only involves supporting local owners, but the environment as well. In terms of economic sustainability, keeping money within the economy supports local tax bases as well as the surrounding businesses. Statistically, “for every $1,000,000 in sales, independent retail stores generate $450,000 in local economic activity, compared to just $170,000 for chains” (Mitchell).
Not only do big corporations’ cycle less money per sale into the local economy, but they also produce greater amounts of carbon emissions. Comparing NU2U’s consignment model to big thrift companies demonstrates multiple aspects of environmental consciousness differences. Larger thrift companies such as Goodwill produce excess clothing that ends up in landfills which contributes to waste energy emissions such as carbon dioxide, a harmful greenhouse gas. Instead of being shipped to landfills, NU2U donates portions of their clothing to non-profits in town, the Clothing Cottage, and other youth organizations. These efforts ultimately mitigate the amount of carbon emissions associated with clothing excess, an example of atmospheric sustainability. With 13 million tons of clothing reaching the end of their life cycle per year, recycling clothing is an important method for environmental preservation (Environmental Protection Agency).
“~9.1 million tons of clothing and footwear were landfilled in 2018”
To avoid the landfill, recycling, consigning, or donating clothes is the way to go. NU2U specifically, incentivizes a greener system by allowing consigners to profit off recycling their own clothes. Due to NU2U’s methodology when handling clothing excess, their store reduces the carbon footprint of all 6 to 10 thousand pieces cycled into the store each week. Ultimately, economic, and atmospheric sustainability are just two of many environmentally focused benefits to shopping local and supporting downtown businesses.
“We decided to do this business in part because of its sustainable business model. We enjoy being a part of that community that cares for our environment and planet”
Shopping at a thrift store and consigning one’s clothes are two simple ways to incorporate more sustainable practices in life. So, don’t wait til small business Saturday to show your support for local businesses. Remember, every time you shop locally you are also shopping green!
Citations:
Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Nondurable Goods: Product-Specific Data. EPA. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/nondurable-goods-product-specific-data#ClothingandFootwear.
Mitchell, S. (2020, November 17). Key studies: Why independent matters. Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Retrieved October 25, 2021, from https://ilsr.org/key-studies-why-local-matters/.
You Call the Shots Prepares for Grand Prize Giveaways
You Call the Shots is a local effort to increase COVID-19 vaccinations in Albany County
You Call the Shots has given away $4,000 in weekly prizes and continues to offer $25 gift cards at select vaccine locations for individuals getting vaccinated.
The program aims to boost local vaccination rates and improve the health and wellbeing of Albany County. Supported by various community members and local businesses, this community wide celebration thanks those rolling up their sleeves to make Laramie a safer place to live and work.
Prize winners have included a college junior, an elementary school assistant, an animal lover and a family building their new home in Laramie. The winners have shared many of the same sentiments as to their decision to get vaccinated, to protect their family members, to return to large events, to protect the younger population that are unable to be vaccinated and to prevent overwhelming the healthcare system. Prize money has helped residents pay for school, pay off large purchases and give back to local organizations.
Currently, in Albany County, 48 percent of residents eligible are fully vaccinated. Additionally, 52.7% of Albany County has received one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
Next Monday, October 11, 2021, winners of the grand prizes will be drawn to conclude the giveaways. Those who have registered at bit.ly/calltheshotslaramie and are fully vaccinated by October 11 are eligible for one of the four grand prizes.
Grand Prizes
$2,500 Cash Prize
Homecoming Package:
4 tickets to the UW Homecoming Football game on Oct. 23
$100 in Downtown Laramie gift certificates. These are valid at the 290 businesses within the Downtown Laramie district including retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses.
Gift Certificate to the Brown & Gold Outlet
Gift Certificate to Coal Creek Uptown
STAY-cation Package:
Up to 3 nights at a local Airbnb Nov. 5 – 7 or as available
2 Family day passes to the Laramie Rec Center
$125 in Downtown Laramie gift certificates. These are valid at the 290 businesses within the Downtown Laramie district including retail, restaurants, and service-based businesses.
Recreation Package:
2 Basecamp Ski Rental Packages (8 hr cross-country ski rental)
4 Snowy Range Ski Area lift tickets
Annual Parking Permit fot Medicine Bow Routt National Forest
Gift Cards to downtown outdoor outlets, Atmosphere and Basecamp
Visit https://bit.ly/calltheshotslaramie to find vaccine locations participating in gift card giveaways to those getting vaccinated and to learn about resources available like childcare and transportation.
Laramie Main Street Launches Fundraising Campaign to “Revive the Wyo”
On Sept. 10th, during the NU2U Street Dance and Pop Up Art Walk, Laramie Main Street will kick off its “Revive the Wyo” fundraising campaign with challenge matches offered by Pence and MacMillan, The McDermit Family, Premier Bone & Joint, and the Wyo Task Force volunteers totaling over $4,000.
Work to Date: In August of 2019, Laramie Main Street was gifted the shuttered Wyo Theater. Since then, a dedicated team of community volunteers made up of artists, entrepreneurs, educators, and preservationists have been exploring the feasibility of what it would take to turn the building into a mixed use entertainment venue. At this time, improvements to the building, including electrical and mechanical upgrades, a fire suppression system, and ADA accessibility, are of highest priority.
Meeting code requirements for public safety and getting the doors open is expected to cost $640,807.
Cost estimates for the full rehabilitation of the building, including the potential for a new stage, sound, and light system, a restored facade, and the ability to reopen the balcony, is projected at $1.5 million. The project team anticipates it will take years to complete the construction based on community buy-in, collaborative partnerships, and the economic climate.
In 2020, Laramie Main Street invested funds from its reserves to match grants from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund, Wyoming Main Street, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, and the Guthrie Family Foundation. $73,000 was raised and spent to replace the roof, conduct visioning and pre-development work with a facilitator, architect and engineer.
To date, volunteers have contributed 450 hours to the project with an in kind value of $12,150.
Fundraising Launch, Pop-Up Art Walk & NU2U Street Dance: In conjunction with the 7th annual Pop-Up Art Walk, Laramie Main Street is launching the “Revive the Wyo” fundraising campaign at NU2U’s Annual Street Dance and Costume Party on September 10, 2021 to assist in the rehabilitation of the historic Wyo Theater at 309 S. 5th Street.
The Laramie Pop-Up Art Walk, also hosted by Laramie Main Street, is an annual event during the second week of September that includes established galleries alongside “pop-up” shops, theatre, music, demos, and opportunities for the public to make art. The event celebrates all art forms and recognizes how the arts as a whole bring community together.
The NU2U Street Dance and Costume Party is an annual event hosted and organized by NU2U. The original idea for the event was to provide a free concert to thank the community for its support of the local retail establishment. The street dance and costume party has grown to be an event where NU2U, local bands, and local breweries come together to raise money for a community cause.
The simultaneous timing of these two community events offers the perfect opportunity to launch the “Revive the Wyo” fundraising campaign with a focus on celebrating Laramie’s creative economy.
“As a small business owner and someone who is deeply invested in downtown, I am extremely excited to be able to help kick off the campaign to revive the Wyo Theater. As a Laramie local, I have many memories of the Wyo and know that the community has a deep love for this historic theater. Getting The Wyo open again will be a huge boost for the community and the economic strength of downtown Laramie.”
Rob Harder, co-owner of NU2U shared, “As a small business owner and someone who is deeply invested in downtown, I am extremely excited to be able to help kick off the campaign to revive the Wyo Theater. As a Laramie local, I have many memories of the Wyo and know that the community has a deep love for this historic theater. Getting The Wyo open again will be a huge boost for the community and the economic strength of downtown Laramie.”
For more information about the “Revive the Wyo” campaign, to volunteer, share photos, memories, or make a tax deductible contribution, visit: https://laramiemainstreet.org/thewyo
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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.
Cowboy Cash is back!
Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is distributing more Cowboy Cash, in the form of downtown gift certificates, to UW students, faculty, and staff this summer at the Downtown Laramie Farmers Market. Thanks to funding from last year’s Cowboy Cash initiative with the University of Wyoming, LMSA is able to give out additional Cowboy Cash gift certificates to bring an economic boost to businesses located in historic downtown this summer and fall.
In 2020, $40,000 worth of Cowboy Cash and $32,000 in downtown gift certificates circulated through downtown businesses.
This summer, LMSA will be distributing $30,000 worth of Cowboy Cash and market tokens at the Downtown Farmers Market on July 23, August 6, August 20, September 3, and September 17.
To receive $20 in Cowboy Cash plus $5 in Farmers Market Tokens, students, faculty, and staff can bring their UW ID to the Laramie Main Street tent at 1st and Garfield (near the base of the foot bridge) and complete a short survey on their phone. The Cowboy Cash and Market Tokens will be given out on a first come first serve basis while supplies last.
“It will be great to see everyone enjoying the Farmers Market and then heading downtown to grab a nice dinner, do some shopping or schedule a service with downtown businesses.”
“We can’t wait to connect more with the UW community!” Jennifer Power, Communications Coordinator says. “It will be great to see everyone enjoying the Farmers Market and then heading downtown to grab a nice dinner, do some shopping or schedule a service with downtown businesses.”
Director Trey Sherwood shared, “We continue to leverage our strategic partnership with UW to enhance our entrepreneurial ecosystem while encouraging the UW community to shop local. As businesses recover from the pandemic, it is important that we continue to provide grassroot, community led support in order to build a resilient local economy.”
The expiration date for all “Cowboy Cash” is September 30th to provide businesses a financial boost during this important time of economic recovery. Cowboy Cash is good at any of the 290 businesses located in Downtown Laramie. Farmers Market Tokens are good at any booth at the market and expire on the last Farmers Market of the season - September 24th.
Learn more about using Cowboy Cash at www.laramiemainstreet.org/gifts.
If business owners have questions about how to accept Cowboy Cash, they should email downtownlaramie@gmail.com or visit www.laramiemainstreet.org/gifts
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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.
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”
“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!”
"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.”
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.
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
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
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.”
"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