2011 was a GREAT year for the Laramie Main Street Alliance and Downtown Laramie.
For every dollar contributed to the Laramie Main Street Alliance in 2011, we tracked an additional $11.81 reinvested into downtown. Private, public, grants, donations and in kind contributions of $1,235,482 were used to renovate 34 buildings in the downtown (interior and exterior facade projects) as well as support public improvement projects such as the development of the historic Depot Park, Laramie Mural Project and new landscaping at the First Street Plaza. As a 501(c)3 non profit organization, donations also ensured that the Laramie Main Street Alliance could increase its services that benefit both business and property owners downtown as well as the community at large.
2011 was an amazing year for job growth and new businesses downtown. Downtown Laramie lead the state in net job gains with 16 new part time jobs and 28 new full time jobs while the Alliance assisting with the opening of 12 new and thriving businesses (D.C. Faber Consulting, Synergy Gallery, Poppy's, Cash Advance Lending, Jay's Hair Salon, Hot Power Yoga, Vital Arts Clinic, Sean's Old Neat Stuff, Boomer's BBQ, Salon 220, El Tamal and Bella Home Boutique and Bakery) and welcomed four local Laramie businesses into the historic district (805 Esthetic, Vazquez Drywall & Paint, Shutterbug and Coldwell Banker).
In 2011 there was always something going on downtown. With the assistance of 3,470 volunteer hours, downtown hosted ten seasonal events (Shop and Dine Business Showcase, Laramie Farmer’s Market, Downtown Jubilee Days, Laramie Brew Fest, Gem City Car Classic, Downtown Kickoff, Fashion’s Night Laramie, Scaramie, Mistletoe Mosey and Boots, Brushes & Bourbon) for the enjoyment of the Laramie community and coordinated over 20 holiday activities in the month of December alone!
In addition to our outward success, internally we strengthened our program and relationship with our partners by updating the Downtown Development Plan. The plan provides for guidance in the following areas for the next 20 plus years: Making Connections: Pedestrian, Bicycle, Vehicular & Parking; Growing Downtown: Redevelopment & Downtown Expansion; Building the Message: Branding & Marketing Recommendations; Organizing for Action: Policy, Partners & People.
Of course we could not accomplish any of this without our dynamic volunteers who serve on our four core committees: the Downtown Laramie Business Association, Design, Organization and the Downtown Development Authority. A hearty THANKS to them and our supportive partners: the City of Laramie, Chamber of Commerce, Albany County Tourism Board, Laramie Economic Development Corporation, Wyoming Main Street, Small Business Development Center, Wyoming Business Council and the University of Wyoming. Thank you all for your support, contributions and enthusiasm for downtown!
If you have any questions about our programs or an upcoming event, please feel free to contact me at the number below.
Trey Sherwood,
Executive Director, LMSA
207 Grand Ave., Laramie, WY 82070
307-760-3355
downtownlaramie@gmail.com
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