​Deborah Ross

Laramie Main Street

I believe it is very important to contribute to the well-being of my community. The residents of Laramie are what makes Laramie a wonderful place to live. Community volunteers are the greatest assets we have in Laramie. I love so many things about downtown Laramie and want to keep the momentum going. Laramie is a welcoming, fun and giving community. The opportunity to serve our town is both a fulfilling and rewarding experience. 

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I try to encourage others to engage in volunteer work for the experience, to meet new people, form relationships in the community and the feeling of giving back, it makes a difference. The impact a single volunteer can make on our small community is huge, it can have a domino effect, drawing others in and creating a momentum of its own. 

I am very proud of our historic downtown. Every year more additions and improvements are made. I often hear how much better the downtown has become over the last 10-15 years. I want to be part of the ongoing project creating a vital downtown economy, community building in the heart of our town, encouraging makers and authentic experiences for visitors and residents alike. 

I have always believed in spending my money locally first and foremost, this falls within the Small Business Saturday and year-round support of our local downtown businesses. I have actively brought activity events to downtown businesses, have developed relationships with managers and owners. I have volunteered to work with them, encouraging businesses to join our events through promotions and activities in their operations. I know downtown restaurants have felt the impact of our International Flavor Festival on their business. The festival also encourages cultural awareness of the unique diversity our small university town has and

can celebrate. This event enhances our downtown experience as we enjoy flavors from around the world while building community and connections. We added a deeper storytelling component this year to enrich the experience. Many participants have said it has helped them feel more connected to our downtown. 

I have started the Pedalpalooza event which brings bike riders from the University campus to our downtown Farmer’s market along a safe biking route. This event aims to encourage bike riding to our downtown(hopefully relieving some parking pressure), showcases the Farmer’s market and brings some fun to the downtown for those enjoying some food out on our sidewalks as the bike parade rides through downtown. 

I am currently working with several other community non-profits on the Community Listening Project using the Heart and Soul method of data collecting. We are gathering community members’ input with surveys and interviews to ultimately create a community project that will benefit as much of the community as possible. It is a big project but also will be a rewarding one to see the outcomes.

​Deb is the visionary behind downtown's International Flavor Fest, Pedalpalooza, and chair of Laramie's Small Business Saturday.

Deb has a deep love for Laramie's locally owned businesses. She volunteers her time strengthening relationships between Laramie Main Street, downtown business owners, the University's International community, and Laramie's biking community.

Deb is a retired pastry chef and enjoys sharing food with friends. Her dedication to grassroots community building furthers Main Street’s mission of a vibrant downtown - transforming the district into a gathering place for all people.

​Deborah is the June Volunteer of the Month for the Laramie Main Street Sponsored by High Point CPAs.