Laramie Main Street Alliance logo
What's Going on Downtown? May 2014
News from the Laramie Main Street Alliance 

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More murals, bike racks, a business inventory, new merchandise, live music, retail promotions and special events ... these are just some of the exciting things happening downtown in May! We invite you to come down, take a tour, visit a new business or stop by the office and say "hi"! We love seeing you downtown!

  

Trey Sherwood, Executive Director

Laramie Main Street Alliance

207 Grand Ave., Laramie, Wyoming 82070

307-760-3355 or downtownlaramie@gmail.com

 

LARAMIE MURAL PROJECT UPDATE:

PROMOTION: What's your favorite mural in downtown? Take a selfie with it and tag #laramiemural on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for your chance to win a mural inspired t-shirt! Promotion runs May - June 2014.   

MERCHANDISE: We just received a locally made batch of new mural t-shirts! Stop by the Main Street office to pick up a short sleeve, long sleeve or tank top inspired by the Laramie Mural Project (and Laradise)! $15 each. Proceeds help us keep painting! Need it shipped? Give us a call, 307-760-3355.
 
 
NEXT MURAL & POTENTIAL FOR A VIDEO: If you'd like to help us make another time lapse video of our next mural, "Trout Tastic" (working title) we are looking to raise $1,625 to cover equipment costs. Please contact us if you'd like to be a sponsor or donate online. (The first video of "Book Shelf" was fully donated by the producer!) Mural artists are scheduled to start painting fish on the back of Altitude, Owl in the Attic and Quilt Essentials on May 12 so we'd like to have funds in place before then. THANKS!
 
BROCHURES: Pick up a copy of the audio/walking tour brochure for the murals at:
 
Laramie Main Street office, 207 Grand
Albany County Tourism Board, 210 Custer
University of Wyoming Art Museum, 2111 Willet Drive
Albany County Public Library, 310 8th St.
Three Laramie Microbreweries are coming together to host a unique tasting event. Sunday, May 18th, 3-6 p.m.

In celebration of American Craft Beer Week, Altitude Chophouse & Brewery, Coal Creek Tap and Sheep Mountain Brewery will be pouring samples of their hand crafted beers at the Train Depot on 1st and Kearney Streets. A limited number of tickets for this are available for purchase for $20 each. At this event that highlights the craft beer industry in Laramie, participants will enjoy sweet and savory food to pair with two styles of beer from each brewery. Live music will round out this indoor/outdoor afternoon event. Purchase your tickets in advance at Altitude Chophouse & Brewery or, if available, at the door on May 18th. For more information about this event, please go to www.altitudechophouse.com.
 
Live Music at the Alibi

 
In This Issue
Mural Update: Tours, Merchandise & Sponsors needed for a Time Lapse Video
Craft Beer Week
Live Music at the Alibi
Downtown is Business Friendly!
Downtown Restaurant Reviews
Facade Grants
Ways to Get Involved!
Alessence's First Workshop
Big Boy Steam Engine coming to Laramie
Unexpected Company Presents
Pixie Dust Discount
Featured Business
Upcoming Events
Business News
Dinner with Art & Cheese
Send in your News!
Celebrate Small Businesses: Virtual Webinars
Join Our Mailing List
Downtown is Business Friendly! 



In a recent interview with the Laramie BoomerangHappy Jack Software owner Mona Gamboa said their reason for moving the business downtown was so "employees can take a walk to get a cup of coffee or cross the street for a meeting at a restaurant. It just seemed like a better decision to move here, especially with the price of Internet, and the fact that you can call in food, and you can ride your bike ... ". 
 
Welcome Happy Jack Software and THANKS Mona for your vote of confidence!
 
If you are interested in opening a business in downtown Laramie, click here to download our Small Business Resource Guide.
 
For a list of available properties for sale or rent, click here.
 
Email us at downtownlaramie@gmail.com to set up an appointment. Our business coaching services are FREE!!!
 
Also check out the Wyoming Business Resource Network, a partnership of the University of Wyoming and Wyoming Business Council. 

 

Downtown Restaurants listed on Top positions on Trip Advisor
burger-fries.jpg
Check out the local restaurant reviews on TripAdvisor. Is your favorite in the top 10? 
 
Did you know, there are 32 restaurants and bars downtown?
 
Watch our Facebook page for our "Foodie Friday" restaurant feature each week!

 

 

BEAUTIFICATION and FACADE GRANTS

 

Removing the metal facade to expose the original brick front at Artisan's Gallery  

BEAUTIFICATION: Did you know your business can apply for a cost share program to "beautify the landscape along public corridors in Albany County" through the Laramie Rivers Conservation District? Think exterior landscaping, sidewalk planters and energy efficient doors or windows.

 

Click here for more information and an application. 

 

FACADE: Making improvements to the exterior of your building? Looking to add new awnings, signage or enhance historic features? Want the outside of your building to reflect the energy of the businesses inside? Consider applying for a Facade Grant through the Laramie Main Street Alliance!

 

Click here for the Facade Grant application.

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED! volunteer_signup_sheet.jpg
We have many engaging opportunities for volunteers. From behind-the-scenes event planning to hands on policy development, below is a list of upcoming meetings where your time and talents are needed and appreciated!
 

Brewfest logo
May 6, 5:30 p.m. Farmer's Market planning meeting. 207 Grand Ave. 

May 12, 5:30 p.m. Brew Fest planning meeting at First Interstate Bank board room (2nd floor)

 

May 14, 8:30 a.m. Promotions & Marketing (DLBA) meeting. First Interstate Bank board room (2nd floor)

 

May 22, Economic Development Team meeting, 5:30 p.m., 207 Grand Ave. 

 

May 283:30 Outreach Team meeting (ORG), 207 Grand Ave. 

 

May 28, 5:30 p.m. Design Team meeting, 207 Grand Ave.

 

June 6, 4:30 p.m. Laramie Main Street Alliance board meeting, 207 Grand

Alessence's First Workshop!
Psoas: Perception & Posture with Carol Lessinger June 28-29, 2014 at the AmericInn, Laramie. 
 
This one or two day workshop is a mat class, not a lecture, and is for absolutely everyone who wants to 'experience a stronger, more comfortable back through smart, gentle movement.'

Saturday June 28 - 10:30am - 4:30 pm 
Sunday June 29 - 10:30am - 1:30pm

Both days $175. Earlybird by 5/28 $160
Saturday Only $135. Earlybird by 5/28 $125

Free Introduction Friday, June 27th 7:00pm. Alessence Massage & Skincare Atelier, 217 Grand Avenue Downtown Laramie, WY

Register online: www.alessence.com 
or phone Alice 307.223.6464 

big boy restoration

Big Boy Steam Locomotive to Stop in Laramie

 

When: Wed, May 7th, 7:30 pm

Thursday, May 8th, 8:30 - 10:00 am

 

Where: Laramie Historic Railroad Depot, Kearney and S. 1st Street, Downtown 

 

Union Pacific recently acquired the Big Boy steam locomotive from a rail museum in southern California.  It is on it's way to Cheyenne for restoration and it's stopping in LARAMIE! Restoration of a Big Boy (the largest steam locomotive ever built), has been the holy grail of steam train fans for years.  No. 4014 will stop right at the old depot, and they will position it so that you are able to get up close and personal!

No. 4014 will make it's initial stop on Wed., May 7th around 7:30 p.m. (arrival time subject to change).

Then on Th., May 8th from 8:30 - 10:00 a.m., it will be on display on the Old Depot Platform making closer access possible.

 

This is a very cool opportunity that you definitely do not want to miss!

 
The Unexpected Company presents: (W)As Seen on TV, or TV as you might  have known it in the 50s. 

 

 Thursday, May 1st, 7:00 pm

Friday, May 2nd, 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 3rd, 7:00 pm

Sunday, May 4th, 3:00 pm

 

Alice Hardy Stevens Center

Tickets are $12 and are at First Interstate Bank, The Eppson Center and the Laramie Plains Museum gift shop.

 

This is a new comedy based on old TV favorites with a bunch of sarcasm and satire thrown in.  Kids won't really "get" the jokes, so leave them home and enjoy a night out.   

 

For more info contact Mary Jo Atherton 745-3167.


  
Pixie Dust offers the following spring cleaning services:
 

* Residential Cleaning
* Commercial Cleaning
* Window Cleaning
* Lawn Care
* Snow Removal
* Simple Maintenance

 

Now offering a buy one hour of cleaning, get one hour free.

 

Call 307-721-7107 for a free estimate!


Featured BusinessEl Con Perez logo

 La Conquista Perez opened at 110 Ivinson Ave. in April in the historic Kuster Hotel. (The same location "El Con" celebrated forty years!)

 

Early reviewers are raving about the portion sizes, homemade sauces (think green, red and mole) and authentic flavors. Trust us, you won't go away hungry!

 

Interested in sampling their food during Cinco de Mayo? They will be catering the Lincoln Community Center's Car Show this Saturday, May 3rd from 3 to 6 p.m. 

May Retail Promotions and Special Events Happening Downtown:
 

May 3, Bicycle Safety Day

Join the Pedal House for the 2nd annual Bicycle Safety Day. FREE bicycle safety inspections will be provided by the Pedal House in the parking lot behind Coal Creek Coffee. Free helmets and stickers will be given away while supplies last. There will also be a bicycle skills rodeo for kids to help make sure you are ready for a summer filled with safe riding and fun. For more information, visit the Pedal House's Facebook page.

 

Saturday, May 3rd, 7:00 pm

Eternal Spring May Dance and Dinner

Harts Alley Catering, 404 South 2nd

$20 per person (21 years old or older).  Tickets available at Mimi's Consignment, 152 N. 2nd.

Includes Guatemalan dinner and live music by Chad Lore ( http://www.chadlore.com ).  Proceeds to benefit Wygap's human rights work. Please buy a ticket before the event as it helps plan for food and drink. 

 

May 4, Pop Up Bridal Boutique at Poppy's

May 9, Men's Shopping Night at the Curiosity Shoppe

 

 May 11, Pop Up Brunch at Big Dipper Ice Cream with Pop Up Laramie

  

Mother's Day Brunch at

  

May 18, 2 to 5 p.m. Boots, Brushes and Brew a Knitting Event 
at Cowgirl Yarn, 119 E. Ivinson Street hosted by the Downtown Laramie Business Association. Learn how to knit, with your fingers! Make a scarf to take home! Cost is $40 per person. Contact Kelly at 307-742-2082 or email

bootsbrushesbrew@gmail.com

to make a reservation.

 

May 20, Tea on Tuesday

at the Laramie Plains Museum, 603 E. Ivinson Ave. Cost is $25 per person. Visit www.laramiemuseum.org or call the museum at 307-742-4448 to make reservations.

 

 

May 30 - 31st Wine and Photography Festival hosted by Wyoming Lifestyle Magazine. Contact Kati Hime at editor@wyolifestyle.com for details. 
 

For additional retail promotions and community events in May, check out our calendar on Alignable, visit the Albany County Tourism Board's website or Laramie Live

Business News:
prom 2014

Prom 2014 is just around the corner! Call Ambience Hair Design at 307-745-1533 to schedule your Prom hairstyle today! 10% off a Prom packages! 

 

May specials at the salon: $35 full nail set OR partial highlights. Call 307- 745-1533 for details! Ambience is located at 218 Ivinson in Downtown Laramie!

 

 The Knothole is excited to bring party supplies to our retail. Meet Red Solo Cup.

 
big dipper  
Big Dipper Ice Creamis celebrating its one year anniversary on May 17 and 18!!! In addition, they will be changing to summer hours beginning May 1st and will be open 7 days a week, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm. Stop by and taste their new flavors, 111 Ivinson. 
 
coffee_cup.jpg  
Live Music at Coal Creek Coffee:
Open Mic Night- Wednesday May 7th
Lonlyhearts/ Sour Boy Bitter Girl- Friday May 9th
The 14ers- Saturday the 17th
Jill Cohn- Wednesday the 21st
Weston Smith- Thursday the 22nd
Taken By Canadians- Friday the 30th
 
All shows start at 8:00PM and are totally free.
Upcoming Events at The Copper Kettle and Chalk 'N Cheese

 

Platter Dinner with Art! Saturday, May 17th 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  

We will be making functional art.  $48 /person  Our last Patter Dinner with Art consisted of: first painting two wine glasses while enjoying treats of chocolate covered berries and seasoned nuts. Then the full platter was presented. It had 2 types of cured meats 4 types of Artisan cheeses, Parmesan crisps, olives, Two vegetables dishes, polenta with orange fig jam, some tasty little extras, an amazing salad, bread and crackers all served with a red wine sangria.  A deep chocolate cupcake with butter-cream frosting topped the evening.  

 

 

Platter Dinner -Friday, June 6th 6:00 pm.

 $45 / personOur last platter dinner consisted of: Two different cheeses baked into baby bell peppers.  imported Italian olives, 4 different Artisan cheese, 4 different cured meats, a salad with a sublime dressing, crusty artisan bread and and entree of potato rafts with braised beef, shredded seasoned greens, roasted red bell peppers and topped with lime creme fraiche.  We had a delicious white wine and a smooth red wine accompanying the meal. This was all topped off with a refreshing lemon pudding cake.  Yep, it was amazing.  

 

 

For Platter dinners we need to pull a wine permit with the city 14 days in advance, so please let us know you are coming asap.  

- Cyndi, 307-742-1800

Send your Business and Entertainment News to the Boomerang!

CELEBRATE SMALL BUSINESSES

Wyoming Entrepreneur Sponsors Virtual Brown Bag Webinars

May 12-16 from 12-1:00 PM

 

To recognize and assist Wyoming's small business community DURING National Small Business Week 2014, the Wyoming Entrepreneur Small Business Development Center will be sponsoring a daily webinar from May 12-16. All webinars are free of charge and each will take place from 12-1:00 pm. The webinar schedule is as follows:

 

May 12 & 13. Introduction to WyomingBusiness Resources
To encourage your success, the State of Wyoming offers programs including free market research, trade show grant opportunities, help with patents and trademarks, government contracting assistance, and much more. Learn about the many resources the State of Wyoming offers to new entrepreneurs and established businesses.

 

May 14. Not Your Grandfather's Marketing

Learn how marketing has changed in the 21st Century.  If you are still relying on Yellow Page ads and email blasts for your marketing, you need to attend this webinar.  We will discuss what works in today's very changed and social media world.

 

May 15. Improve Your Cash Flow

Don't get caught with an empty bank account. Learn how to improve your cash flow by better coordinating your sales, collections, disbursements, capital expenditures, and other cash management issues. We will also discuss sources of financing for your business start-up or expansion.

 

May 16. Start Your Own Business

Get help exploring the pros and cons of owning a business, evaluating the skills and knowledge necessary for success, and understanding some of the licensing and permitting requirements.

 

Separate registration is required for each webinar. To register go to http://wyen.biz. If you have questions, contact Peggy Baker at (307) 382-0947.