Farmer's Market Sustainability Series: Preserving Produce

The sustainability continues! We are happily beginning a sustainable series following, the farmer’s market! Spring has just begun in Laramie, so it’s never too early to start thinking about produce! Laramie’s farmer’s market is set to begin on Friday June 24th from 3-7 pm. This series will take a deep dive into individual sustainability at the farmer’s market, such as how to preserve your produce, what recipes to try, and the best types of reusable bags. First thing up! How to preserve your produce and make it last longer.

What are the benefits of preserving produce’s longevity? Well, you’re saving money and the planet! Less rotten produce means less food waste, unless you have compost, then it can become fertilizer. I looked at various online websites, a few books, and even compiled some tips from foodies on Instagram to come up with some major tips on optimal produce storage.

 Preserving Produce:

1.     Ferment your produce! Fermentation extends produce’s shelf life by a year and adds good bacteria for your gut. What you’ll need: Mason Jars, water, spices of choice, and produce of choice. Use this link for a simple starter recipe: How to Ferment Vegetables - Make Your Own Fermented Vegetables (runningtothekitchen.com)

2.     Freeze it! It’s very important to label your food with the storage date and stack your older foods in the front of your freezer. Reusable freezer bags, glass, silicone, or stainless-steel storage containers are great to use. Try freezing your ripe avocados in order to retain their ripeness for up to three months. Freezing Produce: Free Printable Quick Guide - The Country Chic Cottage even has a frozen produce guide!

3.     More Freezing Tips:

-          Freeze veggies in portion sizes à so you can unfreeze one or two portions at a time

-          Freeze ripe veggies because the condition of the produce will remain constant up until about three months

-          Try open freezing, the act of freezing individual veggies on a slightly oiled tray for an hour or so and then packaging then in a bag 

4.     General Tips:

-          Store produce loosely and separately in the fridge, compact produce will rot faster

-          Tomatoes are stored best upside down on the counter

-          Garlic, onions, potatoes, shallots, sweet potatoes, and winter squash should reside in a cool, dark pantry or cupboard

-          Do not wash produce immediately, the outer layer on fruit and veggies formed will delay ripening.

5.     Fruit Fact! Berries such as raspberries and blueberries will store better coated in sugar before freezing (best to do if you plan on making desserts).

Just try it! Using just a few of these tips and tricks can save you a dollar or two and keep planet Earth looking clean! Less food to go to waste is better for everyone and everything all around. Who knows…you may even make some tasty treats!

References

Brojt, D., 2022. 5 Easy Ways to Preserve Food. [online] goodnet.org. Available at: <https://www.goodnet.org/articles/5-easy-ways-to-preserve-food?msclkid=9adf39f4aec811ec9665370a3bd0d1d1> [Accessed 8 April 2022].

Cain, M., 2022. 5 Easy Ways to Preserve Fresh Produce without Canning. [online] Lovely Greens. Available at: <https://lovelygreens.com/5-easy-ways-to-preserve-fresh-produce-without-canning/#:~:text=%205%20Easy%20Ways%20to%20Preserve%20Fresh%20Produce,that%20can%20be%20easily%20frozen%20for...%20More%20?msclkid=9ade934aaec811ec8690f0f767601cc5> [Accessed 8 April 2022].

foodmatters.com. 2022. 10 Hot Tips for Preserving Fresh Produce. [online] Available at: <https://www.foodmatters.com/article/10-hot-tips-for-preserving-fresh-produce?msclkid=9adef979aec811eca67ed60e4a9e3dd2> [Accessed 8 April 2022].

Holden, A., 2022. Free Printable Guide for Freezing Produce. [online] The Country Chic Cottage. Available at: <https://www.thecountrychiccottage.net/freezing-produce-quick-guide> [Accessed 8 April 2022].

Farmer's Market Sustainability Series: Recommended Recipes

Have fun with whatever veggies and fruit Laramie rolls your way! Cook, fry, and chop your produce into some fun dishes. I utilized the book, Making the most of your Glorious Glut: cooking, storing, freezing, and drying your garden produce as an easy-to-follow guide on everything produce. From how to pick, store, and cook your veggies and fruits—this book is extremely helpful. Here are a few of my favorite recipes that looked fun to try and make during a Wyoming summer! Also, I intended to pick a few recipes that involved the same ingredients, as well as a few recipes you may have never tried to make before.

 A Lunch Time Staple: Greek Salad

If the heat of summer is hitting you, this quick salad will cool you off!

Description: Greek Salad consists of chopped veggies and crumbled feta with a tangy dressing.

Serves 2

Tomatoes, diced                                                           1. Combine all the vegetables, feta, and olives.

 Red Onion, diced                                                        2. Add dressing or lemon juice.

Cucumber, diced                                                          3. Garnish with oregano

Red or Green peppers, diced

 Cubed feta

 Black olives

 Oregano to garnish (dried or fresh)

Lemon juice or white wine vinaigrette dressing

A Nice and Steamy Snack: Vegetable Samosas

A simple party snack for any summer gathering you may attend!

Description: Deep-fried vegetable pastries. Can be made with samosa pastry, filo dough, or your very-own homemade pastry.

Serves 2

Pastry:

8 oz plain flour                                                             1. For the filling, fry the onion, garlic, and spices in oil or ghee until soft.

½ tsp baking powder                                                    2. Add vegetables, stock, and salt/pepper seasoning. Cook for about 20 minutes.

½ tsp salt                                                                      3. For the pastry, combine dry . ingredients in bowl and knead in butter. Add enough yogurt to form firm dough into a smooth ball.

2 oz butter                                                                    4. Cover ball and chill for 30 mins.

2-3 tsp yogurt                                                               5. Divide the pastry into small balls and then roll them into a circle about 6’’ wide. Cut each circle in half.

Filling:                                                                           6. Brush the edges with water (or . beaten egg yolk) and fold the semi-circle over width-wise until an open cone is formed.

1 potato, diced                                                             7. Spoon vegetable mixture and seal to close.

1 carrot, diced                                                               8. Deep fry the samosas in oil until crisp and brown and drain them on kitchen paper/paper towels. 

4 oz peas

1 small onion, finely diced

1 garlic clove, diced

½ tsp ground ginger

2 green chilles, chopped

1 tsp coriander

1 tsp garam masala

2-3 tbsp stock

Oil or ghee

Salt and pepper

A Delicious Dinner: Vegetable Pilaf

Liked the last recipe? Use a lot of the same vegetables in this dish.

Description: A mix of choice vegetables. This recipe is inspired by an Indian dish and can be made more authentic by frying ground cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, chopped chilles, and ginger with the veggies. Or utilize whole curry spices with rice.

Serves 2-3

1 onion diced                                                                1. Fry diced onion in a large saucepan for a few minutes

2 garlic cloves, crushed                                                2. Add all other vegetables and fry for five minutes

12 oz diced vegetables                                    3. Add rice and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to become transparent

                      4. Stir in stock, season with spices, . . add lid and simmer for 20-30 minutes . . on low heat. Or transfer to an oven-proof dish with a lid or foil and bake at 400 F for 30/35 minutes.

6 oz basmati rice                                                          5. Garnish with parsley or coriander

15 fl oz water/stock

Olive oil

Sal and pepper

Parsley/coriander, chopped (to garnish)

A scrumptious sweet: Peach Crisp

This recipe is perfect for the many juicy peaches sold at Laramie’s market!

 Description: Sweet, fruity, and crumbly peach dessert

Serves 4-6

4 cups sliced fresh peaches 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees

1/2 cup all-purpose flour                                                    2. Arrange sliced peaches evenly . in an 8x8-inch baking dish

1/2 cup brown sugar                                                        3. Mix flour, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and salt in a bowl with a pastry cutter

Fold oats into flour mixture; sprinkle mixture evenly over peaches, pressing down lightly

1/2 cup cold butter                                                           4. Bake in preheated oven until crispy and golden brown on top, for about 30 minutes

1 tsp ground cinnamon                                                                    

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup rolled oats

References

"Mom's Peach Crisp". Allrecipes, 2022, https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/231532/moms-peach-crisp/?msclkid=ddac7e6ac6fc11ecb3b3ad519a99bbb9#recipe-body.

Sherman, J., 2012. Making the most of your Glorious Glut. New York: UIT Cambridge Ltd.

Farmer's Market Sustainability Series: Bike Safety

Everyone knows that it is important to save the planet with eco-conscious actions. Though this does not mean that you have to prioritize the environment over your health. Practicing biking safety is important any time you decide to hop on a bike. Biking smart isn’t hard, though it does involve attentiveness and prevention techniques in order to position yourself in the best possible situation. Here’s some top tips,

1.     Wear a helmet! Helmets do not only protect yourself from your own falls or wipeouts, but they will cushion your head in the event of accidents or collisions with other cyclists or vehicles. Make sure your helmet fits properly or it will be less effective. Check out some local Laramie bike shops to get fitted: https://allterrainsports.com/ or https://www.pedalhouse.com/  

2.     Follow the rules of the road! All bicyclists are required to follow the rules of the road just like any other vehicle. While you will most likely be on the side of the road in Laramie, when nearing intersections, you should signal to take the lane. This also means that you should not be biking on cross walks as if you have pedestrian right-of-way.

3.     Use signals! Hand signals are extremely important when attempting switch directions on the road. Think of them as your own form of brake lights, blinkers, and warning signals. Here is a comprehensive list of the most useful signals: https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/8009-handsignals.pdf

4.     Wear the right gear! You need to be visible, do not try and blend in. This means that bright or fluorescent clothing is best suited for increased visibility. Riding during the day is highly recommended so try and check when the sunsets and time accordingly.

5.     Check your equipment! Tires inflated? Check. Reflectors on the rear, front, pedals, and spokes? Check. Gears greased and brakes working? Check. The seat is adjusted to the proper height and locked in place? Check. Then you are good to go!

Safety first! Now that you have read some the major safety tips when it comes to riding on the road, go out there and have some fun. The farmers market has a lot of bike racks in place to encourage the amount of cyclists in attendance. If you are worried about needing a place to put your stuff check out the Pedal House, All Terrain Sports, or Atmosphere Mountain Works for some bike bags. Biking to the Farmer’s Market also has one major benefit, no need to find a parking spot! All you need is a bike lock and you are all set.

Want to learn about the benefits of biking from an environmental standpoint? Check out my latest article detailing a comparison between carbon emissions and biking.

References:

IM Template FL2. 2022. 4 Statistics that show how helmets save motorcyclist lives. [online] Available at: <https://www.padillalawgroup.com/blog/2021/06/4-statistics-that-show-how-helmets-save-motorcyclist-lives/#:~:text=%204%20Statistics%20that%20show%20how%20helmets%20save,injuries.%20When%20it%20comes%20to%20enjoying...%20More%20?msclkid=2f403de9c0e011eca6c6266da18384c7> [Accessed 21 April 2022].

Nsc.org. 2022. Bike Safety - National Safety Council. [online] Available at: <https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/bicycles> [Accessed 21 April 2022].

Farmer's Market Sustainability Series: Ranking Reusable Bags

Shopping more sustainable extends past just going to your local farmer’s market. It is also about how you shop there exactly. Think—reusable bags. Reusable bags eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags that can be found just about anywhere. Want to get rid of that drawer or pantry corner filled with discarded grocery bags? Well, here’s your first step, buy a reusable bag! A lot of them are aesthetically pleasing too! As we get into the swing of Laramie’s Farmer’s market it’s important to note different ways the consumer can contribute to sustainable practices. In this article I will rank reusable bags based on their material, ease of cleaning, greenness (sustainability factor), and aesthetic.

Buying Local

What better way to stay sustainable than to buy local! Here is a short list of price points and places to buy some reusable bags in historic downtown Laramie!

 1.       Atmosphere Mountainworks

Atmosphere Mountainworks has a wide range of bags all handmade downtown. The bags vary in size, color, and price with each bag looking totally unique. They even do bike bags!

Price Range: From $7-$138*

Link: Atmosphere Bags — Atmosphere Mountainworks

2.       Laramie Basecamp

Personal Bags (laramiesbasecamp.com)

Basecamp hosts many multi-purpose bags for all sorts of outdoor recreation activities. Since the bags are reusable and compactable they are also great for the farmers market!

Price Range: $12.99-$34.99

*this includes large backpacks

References

Gawronski, Q., 2022. Best reusable grocery bags of 2022. [online] popsci.com. Available at: <https://www.popsci.com/reviews/best-reusable-grocery-bags/#:~:text=Having%20the%20best%20reusable%20grocery%20bag%20only%20helps,Bags%20Best%20insulated%3A%20Veno%20Insulated%20Reusable%20Grocery%20Bags?msclkid=77738fbab1c511ec98effb0f06b6a1d8> [Accessed 10 April 2022].

Laramie Main Street Alliance Earns 2022 Great American Main Street Award for Excellence in Holistic Downtown Revitalization

Laramie, WY (May 16, 2022) – Main Street America announced today that Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) in Laramie, Wyoming has received the prestigious Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), which recognizes communities for their excellence in comprehensive preservation-based commercial district revitalization. Selected by a national jury of community development professionals and leaders in the fields of economic development and historic preservation, Laramie Main Street Alliance is being recognized for driving local economic development and historic preservation through effective grassroots community building and creative placemaking activities.

“Laramie’s creative and thoughtful approach to development has been inspiring to witness.”

— Patrice Frey, Main Street America President and CEO

“Laramie’s creative and thoughtful approach to development has been inspiring to witness,” said Main Street America President and CEO, Patrice Frey. “Their longstanding commitment to economic vitality and community-driven change ensure a promising future for the historic city.” 

Sitting along the Union Pacific Railroad Line, Laramie is Wyoming’s only university town. In the 1980s, a group of concerned business and property owners adopted and implemented aspects of The Main Street Approach. Unfortunately, this early work lacked coordination among the various downtown groups until 2005, when Laramie Main Street Alliance was founded and joined the Wyoming Main Street program. Over the span of the following 17 years, and in partnership with the city, LMSA’s revitalization efforts have created a climate that has resulted in more than $21 million in public and private investment, 398 private rehabilitation projects, and the creation of 148 net new businesses and 689 net new jobs. 

“Laramie Main Street Alliance has shown that it takes perseverance, support from all areas of the community, and tireless work from volunteers and staff to make downtown thrive,” said Kayla Kler, Main Street Program Manager at the Wyoming Business Council. “For Laramie to serve as a leader in downtown accessibility and entrepreneurship is incredibly encouraging for the future of our Wyoming communities.”

Laramie Main Street Alliance’s success is credited to the organization’s strong culture of lifelong learning, service, and community connection. One example of this ethos in action is evident in LMSA’s volunteer program, which is guided by a desire to facilitate mutually beneficial opportunities that support the organization’s transformation strategies while allowing volunteers to achieve personal goals. As a result, LMSA volunteers—from board members to University of Wyoming students—have logged 59,024 hours of service valued at over $1.2 million since 2005. The return on investment of the LMSA volunteer program also includes robust intern and mentee programs, whose participants remain engaged and successfully contribute to the community as graduate students, employees at local businesses, and as entrepreneurs themselves.

Groundbreaking of the Empress Building.

The development of the Empress is perhaps Laramie’s proudest achievement to date. Completed in 2018, this mixed-use retail and residential building replaced a large vacant lot in the center of downtown with Big Hollow Food Co-Op, a locally owned grocery store. In addition to being the first infill project of its kind in downtown Laramie, the project is on the vanguard of the community’s efforts to increase access to fresh produce and affordable housing.

LMSA is poised and ready for their next large infrastructure investment, a streetscape project called “3,2,1… Third Street!” that will remove the biggest barrier to downtown revitalization by enhancing the eight blocks of US Highway 287 that runs through the district. When complete in 2026, the businesses, residents, and visitors will benefit from a pedestrian-friendly Third Street that features public art, new lighting, improved wayfinding, and ADA-upgrades.

“We intend to leverage our GAMSA win to engage a broader audience in the Main Street movement and cultivate new customers for our businesses. We share this recognition with our partners, donors and volunteers who have invested in downtown’s beautification, preservation, economic and social vitality.”

— Trey Sherwood, LMSA Executive Director

The next phase of transformation will build upon LMSA’s successful collaboration-based strategies, such as the Laramie Mural Project, which has facilitated 27 mural installations, and the Cowboy Cash program, a pandemic-response initiative that offered University of Wyoming students gifts certificates for downtown businesses and injected $40,000 into the local economy.

“We are thrilled that our work is being celebrated at a national level,” said Trey Sherwood, Director at Laramie Main Street Alliance. “We intend to leverage our GAMSA win to engage a broader audience in the Main Street movement and cultivate new customers for our businesses. We share this recognition with our partners, donors and volunteers who have invested in downtown’s beautification, preservation, economic and social vitality.”

###

ABOUT THE GREAT AMERICAN MAIN STREET AWARDS

The Great American Main Street Award program recognizes communities exemplifying the use of the Main Street Approach™ to revitalize commercial districts. Winners are selected from a nationwide pool of applicants by a jury of Main Street professionals and leaders in the fields of community and economic development and historic preservation. Since the award’s inception in 1995, over 100 Main Street programs have been honored as GAMSA communities. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT MAIN STREET AMERICA

Main Street America leads a movement committed to strengthening communities through preservation-based economic development in older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts. For more than 40 years, Main Street America has provided a practical, adaptable, and impactful framework for community-driven, comprehensive revitalization through the Main Street Approach™. Our network of more than 1,200 neighborhoods and communities, rural and urban, who share both a commitment to place and to building stronger communities through preservation-based economic development. Main Street America is a nonprofit subsidiary of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. For more information, visit mainstreet.org.

ABOUT LARAMIE MAIN STREET ALLIANCE

Laramie Main Street Alliance strives to preserve historic Downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality through the implementation of transformation strategies that preserve the district as a home for entrepreneurs, with a focus on authentic consumer experiences and creative third spaces. Laramie Main Street Alliance is a member of the Wyoming Main Street Program. For more information, visit laramiemainstreet.org.

Farmers Market Internship - now accepting applications

The Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is looking to bring on a Farmers Market Intern for the 2022 season. Someone in this role should be a strong communicator, team player, self motivated, adaptable, and organized. Experience in the areas of graphic design, marketing, content creation, customer service, or event organization is preferred. Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to LMSA Program Coordinator Bailey Payton at coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org with the subject line INTERN APPLICATION by April 25th, 2022. This is a paid, part time seasonal position.

For more information about Laramie Main Street and the Farmers Market, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org  

The Downtown Laramie Farmers Market is a weekly event hosted by Laramie Main Street on Friday afternoons from the last week in June through the end of September. The market provides access to locally and regionally grown produce, farm products, local artisans and non-profits. In addition to food trucks, 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 Intern Position 

The Farmers Market Intern is a part-time summer position, with some preparation taking place in the spring. The primary responsibilities are assisting the Market Manager with the day-of operations of the Market, and creating Market promotional content. Please be aware this position requires a fair amount of manual labor, and you may be asked to lift up to 40 lbs. This position reports to the Market Administrator and Market Manager. 

This position requires a weekly presence at the Friday Farmers Market between the hours of 1pm and 8pm from June 24th- September 30th (no market July 8th).
Spring: 

• Attend market training

• Work with market committee and staff on any promotional pre market materials 

Summer:

Weekly responsibilities include:

• Work with Market staff to update and publish the weekly vendor map 

• Oversee the Farmers Market Facebook and Instagram pages and create content on a weekly basis 

• Create impactful social campaigns to promote the farmers market 

• Coordinate with LMSA Communications Coordinator about posts on main LMSA social feeds

• Capture photo and video at the market to be used in future promotional material 

• Schedule monthly musical entertainment and coordinate payment and HR requirements with performers 

• Liaise between market performers and market staff

• Assist the Market Manager in Market set-up and tear down and day of operations including: 

  • Set out market fixtures like market tent, trash, toilets, signage, and street barricades

  • Organize vendors into locations as they arrive 

  • Call dispatch about remaining cars parked in lot

  • Assist the Manager in collecting vendor fees and token exchange 

  • Collect SNAP and other token transactions at the market table

  • Communicate with vendors about updates, issues, and questions

  • Close the market by breaking down market features

  • Walk the market location and collect trash

  • Assist in storing items neatly for next market use

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

Interested applicants should send a cover letter and resume to LMSA Program Coordinator Bailey Payton at coordinator@laramiemainstreet.org with the subject line INTERN APPLICATION by April 25th, 2022.

Laramie International Flavor Festival: Celebrating Culture through Flavor

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) is pleased to announce the Inaugural International Flavor Festival at participating restaurants throughout downtown Laramie from March 28th - April 3rd.

Through collaborations, international flavors. and conversations, Laramie International Flavor Festival celebrates diverse international residents and influences. 

In this festival, 20 participating downtown restaurants will infuse a menu item with flavors inspired by more than 80 international community members and students from over 40 nations. These specials will appear on their menus throughout the week.

Laramie Main Street Alliance partnered with University of Wyoming International Students and Scholars to encourage the participation of the international community, who identified dishes and ingredients associated with their cultures. Participating restaurants were then paired with ambassadors’ responses to create menu items inspired by their flavors. 

“This event has so much potential to foster human connections and draw new communities to Downtown Laramie to celebrate our diverse international residents and influences,” says Flavor Festival Co-Chair Ali Grossman. “The whole experience has been delicious - if you want to get to know your neighbors, ask about their foods and traditions.”

— Ali Grossman

Restaurants are embracing the opportunity to expand their palette; some are adding international flavors to existing dishes, several will be debuting traditional dishes, and many will debut entirely new and creative menu items.  

“This event has so much potential to foster human connections and draw new communities to Downtown Laramie to celebrate our diverse international residents and influences,” says Flavor Festival Co-Chair Ali Grossman. “The whole experience has been delicious - if you want to get to know your neighbors, ask about their foods and traditions.”

For a list of participating restaurants, featured dishes, and associated events , visit laramiemainstreet.org/international-flavor-festival or e-mail flavorfestival@laramiemainstreet.org

If you are interested in getting involved with Laramie Main Street Alliance to continue supporting downtown revitalization, fill out the volunteer interest form at: https://laramiemainstreet.org/getinvolved

---

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. 

The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House: A Local Store

Sustainability Spotlights have spoken about the promotion of one major area of significance, local businesses! While the shops downtown are unique to Laramie, the origins of their creation are just as spectacular. Structurally, many local store owners can be separated into two categories: someone who makes their hobby a business and those who use their business to support their hobbies. So how does one start a business?

            A lot can be learned from Laramie’s business owners, Ruth Williams, is a prime example of turning a past-time into a full-time endeavor. Though she is the current owner of The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House, she began by baking cupcakes at the Laramie Farmer’s Market with all of the proceeds going towards victims of sex-trafficking in Cambodia. Following a recipe representative of her British roots, her cupcakes sold rapidly. Thus, her original fundraiser eventually led to her buying out Sweets Bakery about three years ago. This was due to rapid growth, the need for more space, equipment, and people. Today, The Sugar Mouse Cupcake House has relocated to the corner of Second and Garfield with tentative plans to incorporate the upstairs floor as an event space. The bakery boasts 22 flavors following Ruth’s original basic recipe with a now 16-person staff. Sugar Mouse’s secret ingredients revolve around English cream and a good cause. The pastel pink business has expanded to tea parties, Italian brewed coffee, and candied sweets—all the while raising thousands of dollars for much needed resources in Cambodia. 

            Ruth was not a businesswoman, until her cupcakes began to be savored by the masses that reside in the Gem City of the Plains. She learned by necessary action and building hands-on experience. If you want to begin your own personal business Ruth provides golden advice,

“Don’t be afraid. Find people who are good at what you’re not,”

Shopping locally is not possible without those brave enough to embark on a journey towards opening up a storefront. Ultimately, in connection with sustainability and shopping local, sustainability wouldn’t be possible without the locals. 

So,

“You have to jump in to get started”

— Ruth Williams

Laramie Main Street Alliance announced as Great American Main Street Semifinalist

Laramie Main Street Alliance (LMSA) has been announced as a semifinalist for Main Street America’s Great American Main Street Award (GAMSA), a national recognition of strong downtowns exemplifying innovative programing, commitment to preservation, engagement, diversity, and cross-sector partnerships.
“I am thrilled that downtown is being celebrated at a national level for the amazing work our community does in supporting its mom and pop businesses on Main Street,” LMSA Executive Director Trey Sherwood said. 

LMSA was founded in 2005 by local volunteers interested in utilizing Main Street America’s Four Point Approach to downtown development. In their application, they identified a desire to “create a formal organizational structure” to provide leadership and manpower necessary to implement plans and maintain a strong foundation for downtown revitalization.” Since 2005, LMSA has been a steward of downtown projects including the Laramie Mural Project, Downtown Farmer’s Market, Laramie Brewfest, downtown bike racks, as well as the more recent payroll grants, Cowboy Cash, and safe shopping initiatives.

“The City of Laramie has worked closely with LMSA since their start in 2005. This national recognition is an honor for the whole community and shows what we can accomplish when we work together. ”

— Janine Jordan, Laramie City Manager

"The City of Laramie has worked closely with LMSA since their start in 2005. This national recognition is an honor for the whole community and shows what we can accomplish when we work together" Laramie City Manager, Janine Jordan said.

“The University of Wyoming and LMSA have developed a rich and positive town-gown collaboration which brings UW students downtown.” Said Jean A. Garrison, Ph.D., Professor,  Co-Director of Malcolm Wallop Civic Engagement Program. 

GAMSA semifinalists were selected from a nationwide pool of accredited Main Street America applicants based on their successful and innovative uses of the Main Street Approach™. Criteria for winning include: strength of the Main Street program in spurring community transformation, commitment to historic preservation, innovative programming, implementation of cross-sector partnerships, community outreach and stakeholder engagement, and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. More than 100 communities have been recognized as winners since the award’s inception in 1995.

“This honor is in large part because of our collaboration with downtown business owners, the City of Laramie, University of Wyoming and the generous spirit of volunteerism inherent in our community.  And, we share this recognition with past and present donors and volunteers who have invested in downtown’s beautification, preservation, economic and social vitality.”

— Trey Sherwood, LMSA Executive Director

“This honor is in large part because of our collaboration with downtown business owners, the City of Laramie, University of Wyoming and the generous spirit of volunteerism inherent in our community.  And, we share this recognition with past and present donors and volunteers who have invested in downtown's beautification, preservation, economic and social vitality,” Sherwood said.

Winners for 2022’s GAMSA will be announced on May 16, 2022 at the Main Street Now Conference in Richmond, Virginia.

If you are interested in getting involved with Laramie Main Street Alliance to continue supporting downtown revitalization, fill out the volunteer interest form at: https://laramiemainstreet.org/getinvolved

---

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. 

Call to Shop Local in 2022

New Year, new habits. Whether you’ve heard it before or this is your first time considering it, shopping local in 2022 will go a long way in helping our economy recover to pre pandemic levels. 

When you keep your hard earned money in Albany County, you are investing in the unique place you call home. Local businesses provide customized service and recommendations based on your lifestyle and geographic location. They donate generously to support social services and youth activities. In addition, they create jobs that provide opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

“According to the Wyoming Department of Revenue, in 2021 Albany County residents spent $70,474,316 online. This is a 1,340.78% increase from the $4,891,383 spent online by residents in 2017! ”

According to the Wyoming Department of Revenue, in 2021 Albany County residents spent $70,474,316 online. This is a 1,340.78% increase from the $4,891,383 spent online by residents in 2017! (Wyoming started collecting sales tax from online purchases based on consumer zip code in 2017). 

Imagine if we shifted just 10% of the value of our online and out-of-town purchases back into the community. Even a small percentage of your spending has the potential to make a big difference in the recovery of local businesses, many of which are owned by our friends and neighbors. 

A 2018 trade market profile conducted by the City of Laramie and the Retail Coach documented $115,920,507 spent outside of Albany County on retail, food and drinking establishments. Consider what $11.6 million would mean for our entrepreneurial ecosystem and government services including funding for police and fire, education and health, libraries, road maintenance and programs that benefit the community at large. 

Yes, there is something to be said about the convenience of online shopping or the lure of getting out of town. However, over 30 of Laramie’s local brick and mortar retailers have expanded to better serve you and now offer e-commerce; which means they are open 24/7. 

In the market for new hiking boots? Visit Dodds Shoe Company virtually. Need to upgrade your outdoor gear? Click through to Laramie Basecamp and Atmosphere Mountain Works. Looking for a unique birthday present? Browse Works of Wyoming, 4th Street Studios, The Knothole, Range Leather, Evie and Kay Boutique, The Herb House or The Curiosity Shoppe online. Redecorating? Shop without leaving the comfort of home with The Bent and Rusty and Chalked and Polished. 

While this is not an exhaustive list, it illustrates that local businesses are here to accommodate you. Whether it is a daily necessity, hard to find item or a custom creation, Albany County’s businesses are striving to serve you and appreciate your patronage. 

Want to see the place you call home thrive? Join me in looking local first in 2022!

- Trey Sherwood

P.S. You can access website links to downtown businesses, options to buy local e-gift cards, and more, at Laramie Main Street’s “Shopping Guides” https://laramiemainstreet.org/shoppingguides