ROCK SPRINGS – Since its inception in 2006, the Rock Springs Urban Renewal Agency has focused on and worked with businesses and organizations in the downtown area. On Tuesday they continued this long tradition, awarding several Community Pride Awards.
The URA/Main Street Organizational Committee has awarded over 20 Community Pride Awards to those businesses and organizations in the Urban Renewal Area who have made improvements to their building’s facade and interior. New URA Director Chad Banks said it is great to see more businesses improving and taking a strong pride in the downtown area and the City of Rock Springs.
“Seventy percent of first time sales, whether it is a shop, restaurant or any retail business, comes from curb appeal,” Banks explained. “It is important for downtown businesses to know what they look like is very important.”
The businesses and organizations honored include the Underground Salon, Team Cutters, Touch of Class, Willow Ridge Crafts, Greek Church, Lew’s Family Restaurant, Eileen’s Attic, Steve’s Wyoming Club, CJ Signs, Knights of Columbus and Zoobeck’s Pet Store and Supplies.
Each business received a plaque and public recognition for their hard work. Banks said some businesses used the URA Facade Grant Program while others did it on their own.
Team Cutters was one of several award winners SweetwaterNOW spoke to which did it on their own. Shelly McCrea and Carla Sutter said it was a family affair with their husbands doing a lot of the work for them. McCrea said receiving the award was actually quite an honor and it was great to be rewarded for the work they have accomplished.
“It’s what we need downtown,” McCrea said about businesses in the area following suit and upgrading. “We need owners who will put pride in our downtown and our community.”
In addition to winning a Community Pride Award, Eileen’s Attic is giving back in a different way. They are starting their Christmas Program to assist families who struggle during the holidays. For information on the program and how to let them know about a family who needs the assistance, residents can stop in or call Eileen’s Attic.
For the Knights Of Columbus, their work is not done as they are looking to repair the fence outside the building and then start improvements inside.
Zoobeck’s has gone from a small shop to a staple of the community, recently celebrating 10 years of business in Rock Springs. They built their new building in 2009 and haven’t looked back.
Owner Jim Rubeck said they did most of it by themselves, but also found the URA to be a positive resource with several small grants.
“It does feel real good receiving this award,” he said. “We are excited for the future. We are starting to see second generation customers and we want to continue to see second and third generation customers.”
Willow Ridge Crafts moved into their new building on South Main in July and Dawn Lund said receiving the honor is “thrilling” for them. They also did upgrades from their own pocket and “just a lot of elbow grease.”
Lund said they have been in the community for 40 years and they love seeing businesses bringing the downtown back to life.
“We are very excited to be part of it,” Lund said.
Organizational Board Member and Council Liaison Glennise Wendorff has been part of the award presentations for approximately five years and said she thinks it’s a wonderful boost and a way to get the downtown excited. Wendorff explained the committee looks at businesses who have done visual improvements such as windows and facades.
The URA provides several resources for businesses. There is a grant which will provide up to $1,000 for paint. There is also a matching grant for facade upgrades which is up to $6,000.
Wendorff added that if businesses have improvement ideas the can come in and talk to the design committee to see what advice they would give.
“That’s why we are here,” Banks said, “We are here to help.”