McDonald’s in Lander recently hosted another fun and productive Meet & Greet with City of Lander employees, showcasing the strong partnership between the fast-food favorite and local government. Over breakfast, discussions ranged from preparations for the upcoming Lander Strikers Soccer Tournament to managing construction on Lincoln Street, all with a healthy dose of community spirit.
The soccer tournament, expected to bring 1,200 soccer players plus their families to town, was a hot topic. This could mean up to 5,000 extra people in town! As the city gears up for this exciting event, the importance of communication with local businesses like McDonald’s was clear. The group recalled the early tournament days when coordination with local restaurants was lacking, leading to lunchtime chaos. This time around, McDonald’s will be ready to keep players and fans fueled!
Soccer wasn’t the only thing on the agenda. Lander will be knee-deep in multi-year
infrastructure projects on Lincoln Street, Ninth, and Fifth Streets to name a few,
upgrading water and sewer lines. City officials shared there will be challenges in managing traffic during construction. The team exchanged ideas on keeping traffic flowing smoothly and ensuring pedestrian safety amidst all the construction buzz in the coming years. 
Airport funding was another key issue, with discussions surrounding the half-cent sales tax that’s crucial for keeping the local air service up and running. Without this funding, Lander could lose a vital connection. The group emphasized the importance of the community supporting this initiative to keep the airport operating smoothly.
McDonald’s highlighted their role as a major local employer. Many employees get their start flipping burgers and serving fries, only to go on to achieve great things later in life. There was also some good-natured laughter about the ice cream machine—because, of course, no McDonald’s meeting is complete without talking about that!
Looking ahead, the idea of hosting a community breakfast cookout in or near the City Hall parking lot sparked excitement, with everyone eager to see the town come together over some McMuffins and coffee.
This Meet & Greet was a perfect example of how community partnerships can thrive. As Lander prepares for a busy few months, McDonald’s remains a key player, not only as a business but also as a true community partner.
Right, Sergeant Trenton Maus
Shane White, Officer James Wooter, Treyton, Martinsen, and Dan Varichak
Keep an eye out for more details on the community breakfast and other exciting events. And, of course, be ready to grab some McDonald’s fuel during the Lander Strikers Soccer Tournament!
