Community Involvement

High Plains Chautauqua

Chautauqua is put on every year by High Plains Chautauqua, an organization that educates the public about important historical figures. On Friday, August 5th, we were proud to host a Coffee & Conversation with portrayers of American influencers who helped our country become what it is today. Visitors chatted with several actors about the historic characters they portray while enjoying light refreshments. We had about 30 visitors who came to ask the actors questions. The performers included Angel Vigil as El Vaquero, Aven McCall as Dolores Baca, and Elsa Wolff as Annie Oakley, in addition to Becky Stone, Larry Bounds, and Witt Matthews.

LINC (Libray and InNovation Center)

LINC (Library and InNovation Center) is a new library being built in downtown Greeley as a part of the High Plains Library District. LINC library will feature a wide variety of unique resources and interactive experiences, including a recording studio, vented woodworking shop, painting area, outdoor courtyard and more. Patrons will have access to equipment such as 3-D printers and laser cutters, as well as community spaces available as needed. The project is set to be completed in March of 2023.

Mary Roberts, one of the owners of the Emporium, is a High Plains Library board trustee, as well as a member of the design team for the new library. She spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, and she has been one of the many  visionaries behind it's creation. Mary meets weekly with the architects and construction leadership as the project continues to develop.

 

Greeley Rotary Club

On March 23, 2022, we were able to host the Greeley Rotary Club for a luncheon here at the Emporium. Rotary Club is a civic organization where people can join together to serve their community. Mary Roberts, one of the owners of LPE, has been a part of Rotary Club for almost 20 years. She presented at the luncheon about the history of downtown.

Attendees expressed interest in the variety of items we showcase here at the Emporium, wondering how the store keeps track of everything. In the age of technology, our inventory is automated, and Mary knows where just about anything can be found. Mary and Odie consider themselves and the store a community service because many people need help letting go of their prized possessions. 

 

Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce

Healthy communities across the U.S. have healthy business ventures that are often coordinated through Chambers of Commerce. Greeley is fortunate to have outstanding Chamber leadership at the board and staff level. Each year, a Chamber awards dinner recognizes outstanding performance and community commitment.

This year, the dinner will be held on the 24th of February, and LPE will support the event as a sponsor purchasing a table for 10 attendees. Support of the chamber is important for all citizenry, to ensure a vibrant business climate and availability of products and services. In 2021, the dinner went virtual; consequently, many participants are looking forward to this opportunity to gather in-person once again.

 

TableTop Networking

It was a pleasure to host the Northern Colorado TableTop Networking event here at the Emporium, on January 14, 2022! For those of you who aren't familiar with TableTop Networking, it is a way for small businesses like ours to get to know other business owners and collaborate on new ideas. Our store was full to the brim with over 60 business owners, and we got to meet many amazing and accomplished people.

 

Holiday Open House

The Holiday Open House on November 27, 2021, was a blast! We had live piano music in the morning, provided by Kati Rittner. The Greeley Corral came to visit and perform in the afternoon. We love to support our local musicians and actors, including our lovely live mannequins (Zoe Coats and Aliyah Archer) who graced our windows. We hope to see everyone at next year's open house!

 

Weld Food Bank

As a store, we have been supported by the people of Greeley for the past 14 years. That's why we try to give back to our community by being involved in local organizations like the Weld Food Bank. On the off chance that Mary isn't supervising the store, she likes to volunteer at our local food bank. Zoe, one of our employees, also took the time this past week to help out at the food bank with her classmates, learning the invaluable skill of bagging produce. If you have any time to spare, come spend it with us at the food bank and help serve your community!

 

The Genesis Project

  

We were honored to be a part of the Genesis Benefit banquet on November 4, 2021. The Genesis Project of Northern Colorado provides housing and resources to single mothers who find themselves in difficult situations but desire a better life. This includes helping those who are homeless, in poverty, or trying to escape an abusive relationship. We were able to donate $500 to this cause, because we believe in giving back to the community. Together, the entire staff of the Lincoln Park Emporium participated in this donation, and we hope to continue supporting the Genesis Project in the future.