New Businesses & Job Growth Help Downtown Laramie Thrive
In the 2011, the Laramie Main Street Alliance, a non-profit that strives to preserve historic downtown Laramie while enhancing its economic and social vitality, documented the creation of 12 new businesses and 44 new jobs.
“Even with a downturn in the economy, entrepreneurs are finding downtown Laramie a welcoming place to open a new business” shares Trey Sherwood, Executive Director of the Alliance.
The following business created job growth and provided new services to the Laramie community in 2011:
Synergy Gallery
Cash Advance Lending
Jay’s Hair Salon
Vital Arts Clinic
Sean’s Old Neat Stuff
With dynamic new businesses establishing themselves downtown, it is no surprise that the Laramie Main Street Alliance recorded a net gain of 16 new part time jobs and 28 new full time jobs in 2011. Among Main Street communities in Wyoming, downtown Laramie is leading the state in net job growth!
Utilizing the Four-Point Approach developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the Laramie Main Street Alliance employees one, full time Director and recruits volunteers to serve on its four committees: Design, Promotion, Economic Restructuring and Organization.
In 2011, 3,470 volunteer hours were logged by community members working on the four committees and coordinating events like the Laramie Farmer’s Market, Brew Fest, Gem City Car Classic, Upstairs/Downtown Tour, Scaramie and Mistletoe Mosey.
Due to new businesses investing in underutilized property in the downtown and existing businesses expanding, the Alliance saw a jump in its reinvestment statistics. For every dollar contributed to the Laramie Main Street Alliance in 2011, an additional $11.81 was reinvested into downtown. Private and public funds, grants and in kind contributions totaling $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.
To learn more about the Laramie Main Street Alliance or the viability of historic downtown Laramie, visit: www.laramiemainstreet.org or follow the progress on Facebook under “Downtown Laramie.”
You might have noticed that this story was published by the author "Downtown Laramie." As we continue to expand and have more people involved with Laramie Live you will notice more and more organizations from around town posting content to truly make this site a place where a diverse range of people from all over Laramie can share their insights and expertise about what is going on. "Downtown Laramie" will be sharing information on Downtown Laramie news and events, the history of downtown, downtown trivia and more! As always we would encourage everyone to share with us what is going on in the circles that you are involved in around town.
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