Libsyn Directory

How Downtown Preservation Drives Economic Growth with Chad Banks

Release Date: 09/28/2023

Wyoming's Creative Economy and Innovation with Audio Engineer John Wilhelm

Winds Of Change

“I think the thing that makes something a piece of artwork is the intention that an artist imbues into it.”- John Wilhelm Want to deepen your understanding of sound preservation and creative storytelling? Discover the intersection of art and environment with audio engineer John Wilhelm as we explore Wyoming's Creative Economies and Innovation. In this episode, John Wilhelm discusses his involvement in various musical endeavors in Laramie, Wyoming, showcasing the diverse creative talent present in the state. His project, the Audio Library of the West, emphasizes the importance of creativity...

Following the Manito Trail: The New Mexican Migration to Wyoming: Dr. Trisha Martinez

Winds Of Change

"Life is beautiful, you know, and even hard times, like, we can still find the good in those." - Trisha Martinez A journey from Wyoming to New Mexico unfolds through the rich cultural narrative of Dr. Trisha Martinez. Discover how her roots in New Mexico have deeply influenced her work in Wyoming, creating a bridge between two distinct yet interconnected communities. Dr. Martinez's passion for preserving cultural traditions and her efforts to empower students through ethnic studies will leave you feeling inspired. Listen to learn more about the unexpected connection between these two...

One Ranch Family’s Invention Journey Led to an Innovative Solution for People Across the Globe with Shondah Otwell

Winds Of Change

We truly believe that God positions everybody where he needs them, when he needs them, in what point of life. And we can look back through the journey that we're currently on with the Water Rippler and see contacts that we made 30 plus years ago in college that are now a part of what we're doing with the Water Rippler. - Shondah Otwell Discover the journey of a husband-and-wife team that set out to solve a problem on their working ranch and discover the trials and successes of becoming entrepreneurs. From facing the challenges of ranching in Wyoming to innovating a game-changing solution...

Transforming Travel Through AI-Powered Personalized Maps with Marko Ruble

Winds Of Change

The universe is predicated on abundance. Our existence, our Planet, our communities, our love, our communications, all of this is all abundance. That's what we need to tap into. - Marko Ruble Imagine a Wyoming entrepreneur who started his journey in the heart of Cody, Wyoming with a childhood filled with adventures, family travels and curiosity. Little did he know that his upbringing in the land of high altitudes and low multitudes would spark an innovative transformation in the travel industry. In this episode we go on a journey that led him to create AI-driven smart maps in a state...

An RV Entrepreneur's Journey from Corporate America to the Great Outdoors: Mark Koep

Winds Of Change

The American dream is often elusive, but it's also not necessarily the right dream. - Mark Koep Have you ever felt frustrated by the lack of information when trying to plan a camping trip? Let's explore how innovative technology is revolutionizing the way we choose and experience campgrounds, making outdoor getaways more accessible and enjoyable than ever before. Today on the Winds of Change podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Mark Koep, an entrepreneur with a groundbreaking technology called . My special guest is Mark Koep...

Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship, and Success Stories in Wyoming with Gener8tor

Winds Of Change

I think Wyoming is still working on making these things accessible and showing people the exact directions of where to go. Bailey and I really fill that gap in terms of our programming and this sort of investor strategy, really, that's our niche. - Stephanie Reece People don't necessarily show up for a venture capital seminar because they don't necessarily understand it. They feel intimidated by it. So, we're trying to break down those walls and pop the bubbles and try to help people understand that this is something that they can take advantage of. - Baylie Evans If you're feeling lost in the...

How A Wyoming Startup Is Revolutionizing Sustainable Wind Power: Airloom Energy

Winds Of Change

Have you heard about wind energy innovation? In this episode we are talking to Wyoming Entrepreneurs and Innovators. We're taking our listeners on a journey to explore the stories of risk-takers and problem-solvers who, despite facing challenges and setbacks, strive to discover something new. This is how innovation drives success and survival. My special guests are Blossom Ko and Neal Rickner: Airloom Energy: Blossom Ko Lumley CO-FOUNDER CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER: Blossom Ko Lumley (MM, CSULA, Music; BA, Rutgers College, English) possesses a diverse skill set in project management...

Wyoming: The Cowboy State of Pioneers and Innovators with Historian Kylie McCormick

Winds Of Change

Discover the surprising history of rural Wyoming's innovative spirit! From using barbed wire fences for early telephone lines to uncovering the untold stories behind the Wyoming state flag, historian Kylie McCormick's journey explores the innovation and inspiration of Wyoming's past. From patent filings to tales of influential figures. Learn about Wyoming's rich heritage with Kylie, where every story holds a lesson waiting to be learned. Explore the history of rural Wyoming and uncover the spirit of rural communities that has shaped the state. My special guest is Kylie McCormick Kylie...

Connecting Past and Future Through Indigenous Artistic Innovation With Al Hubbard

Winds Of Change

“I think of my paintings as kind of a poem.” Al Hubbard Uncover the unexpected truth about indigenous contemporary art! Discover how one artist's work is revolutionizing storytelling through innovative, progressive art. Learn the surprising impact of indigenous knowledge in modern creativity. Stay tuned as we unravel the story behind art that's more than just a painting—it's a powerful poem. Al Hubbard, a contemporary indigenous artist of Navajo and Northern Arapaho descent, has established a unique artistic identity rooted in his rich cultural heritage. His subsequent move to the Wind...

Bridging Past and Future: Celebrating Jeremy Johnston's Legacy

Winds Of Change

Discover the story of Jeremy Johnston, Wyoming historian and teacher, and the impact he had on the state's history and culture. His unique upbringing and deep connection to Wyoming shaped his passion for preserving the past and understanding the complexities of the state's heritage. My special guest is Jeremy Johnston Jeremy Johnston, a highly regarded historian from Park County, Wyoming, established himself as a leading figure in the preservation and dissemination of Wyoming's rich history. Born and raised in Powell, Wyoming, Jeremy's formative years were shaped by the proximity and...

More Episodes

Have you heard these common myths about the importance of downtowns and cultural centers in community preservation? Myth #1: Downtown revitalization is only for big cities. Myth #2: Cultural centers are just for entertainment and not essential for the community. Myth #3: Investing in downtown revitalization is a waste of resources. In this episode, our guest Chad Banks sheds light on the significance of downtowns and cultural centers in community preservation.

Host Emy DiGrappa and co-host Lucas Fralick engage in conversation with Chad Banks, Director, Rock Springs Main Street/Urban Renewal Agency. They discuss the critical role of downtowns and cultural centers in community preservation and economic growth. The episode highlights the significance of historic preservation in Wyoming, where funds are limited. Chad Banks shares the inspiring story of the restoration of the Wyoming capital, which faced resistance but ultimately preserved the building's beauty and history. Chad emphasizes the need for community-driven initiatives and partnerships between local governments, Main Street programs, nonprofits, and various agencies.

Chad Banks, a dedicated Rock Springs resident, whose roots in the town trace back to five generations, vividly shared his journey of discovering the importance and need for preserving downtowns and cultural centers. It all began with a casual trip to a small town in Utah for his daughter's dance competition. What caught his attention was the town's blandness, its lack of unique identity, a stark contrast to the vibrant and historic downtowns he was familiar with. This experience sparked a realization in Chad. He saw how these downtowns, with their historic buildings and unique stories, were the pulse of the community, providing a sense of identity and continuity. Chad took this realization back to Rock Springs and into his role with the city's Main Street program, where he has since worked to reinvigorate the downtown area, preserve its rich history, and enhance its unique identity.

Links:

www.Thinkwy.org
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Resources:

Explore the Main Street program and its revitalization programs for locally owned, locally driven prosperity.
Learn about the Smithsonian Sparks exhibit, Spark Places of Innovation, which highlights innovation in rural America.
Stay tuned to learn more about the locations around Wyoming that will host the Sparks exhibit.
Explore the Main Street program and its revitalization programs for locally owned, locally driven prosperity.
Stay tuned to learn more about the locations around Wyoming that will host the Sparks exhibit.
Encourage children and adults to learn about and appreciate the history and heritage of their communities.
Contact the Main Street Urban Renewal Agency for information on downtown development and revitalization programs.
Support local businesses and entrepreneurs by shopping and dining in downtown districts.
Encourage children and adults to learn about and appreciate the history and heritage of their communities.

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