Bottom Line The - the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce

bottom line
the
GREATER LAS CR UCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • FEBR UARY 2 0 1 4 • WWW.LASCR UCES.ORG
Business After Hours
5:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 27
Las Cruces Convention Center
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President and Chair Columns...............2
Business of the Month ........................3
Pro-jobs Scorecard .............................4
Military Update..................................5
Nonprofit of the Month ......................6
Conquistadore Column ......................7
Junior Leadership ..............................7
Agriculture Column ............................8
Small Business of the Month ................9
Business After Hours ..........................11
Ribbon Cuttings ................................12
Leadership Las Cruces .......................12
New and Renewing Members ............13
Calendar and Statistics .......................14
Chamber Briefs .................................15
JOIN THE CHAMBER
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce provides more than 50 events
and programs each year to promote
the growth of area businesses and the
economic success of the region.
For the past 60 years, the Chamber has
served as the largest and most active
business advocacy organization in the
Mesilla Valley. In 2010, the Chamber
received a four-star accreditation from the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce for best
practices amongst chambers of commerce.
If you are interested in becoming a
member of our growing organization,
contact Vice President of Development
Troy Tudor at 524-1968 or
[email protected].
GREATER LAS CR UCES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
505 S. MAIN ST.,
SUITE 134
LAS CRUCES, NM 88001
575-524-1968
WWW.LASCRUCES.ORG
Chamber reaches for the stars
Annual awards honors
members’ hard work
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce recognized stars from the
community at the 2014 Chamber Choice
Awards and Gala, “Reaching for the Stars,”
Friday, Jan. 17, at the Las Cruces Convention
Center.
The magical night began with a VIP reception for sponsors and moved on to a dinner reception. Natalie McMillian sang the
national anthem, the Boy Scouts of America
conducted the presentation of the colors and
Pastor Dale Walker led the invocation. In
the 450 attendees, nominees eagerly waited
for the award ceremony.
John McManamen, manager of White
Sands Test Facility, was the guest speaker for
this year’s gala. McManamen reflected on
the milestones and accomplishments that
the White Sands Test Facility has reached
since it first opened as a temporary facility.
“Although people think NASA is gone,
it is alive and well,” he said.
At the International Space Station, current programs to understand commercial
cargo and commercial crews traveling into
space are in progress. Through programs
such as these, NASA has an economic impact in the community by providing jobs
and partnerships with contractors such as
Jacob’s Technology. McManamen said he
is excited the space station has been funded
for 10 more years and is looking forward
to boosting projects such as understanding
commercial space flights before furthering
travel into space.
The awards ceremony kicked off with
New Mexico Senate President Pro Tempore
Mary Kay Papen being recognized as
Citizen of the Year. Papen is the consummate community advocate, and is consistent
with that pursuit. She was unable to attend
because she was in Santa Fe preparing for
the legislative session. She did thank the
crowd via video.
Brian Ormand was recognized as the
Volunteer of the Year for all his work on the
Chamber’s Skill Ready Doña Ana project.
New Mexico Senate President Pro Tempore Mary Kay Papen was honored as the Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year during the 2014 Chamber Choice Awards and Gala Friday, Jan.
17, at the Las Cruces Convention Center. Accepting the award on her behalf is daughter Susan Vescovo,
grandson, George Vescovo, and her son-in-law, Greg Smith.
Charissa Paskowski then received the honor
of Conquistadore of the Year for her many
years of support to the Chamber.
The theme of the event, “Reaching
For The Stars,” was reflected not only in
McManamen’s topic, but also in the way the
business awards were presented. The videos
that preceded each category were artfully
done by the LNG Co. and had an Oscarnight feel.
Tresco Inc. was awarded the Nonpofit
of the Year, a fitting tribute with CEO Pam
Lillibridge set to retire this year. The Small
Business of the Year went to Helping Hands
Events Planning and the Large Business
of the Year was presented to The Sisbarro
Dealerships, an organization whose owners
give back to the community every year.
The Chamber was proud to recognize
Jonathan Boehne as Police Officer of the
Year and Lt. Jose Leos as Firefighter of the
Year.
This year’s Crystal Apple awards went
to Michael Montoya, Principal of the Year;
Mathew Reiter, Teacher of the Year; and
Robert Estrada, Early Career Teacher of the
Year.
The Chamber Choice Awards and Gala
was a bittersweet moment for Past-Chair
Leslie Cervantes, as she reflected on her term
as the chair of the board. She thanked her
fellow board members on a successful term
and expressed her love toward her husband
for his support on her journey. With her farewell, she introduced 2014 Chair of the Board
Mike Beckett of COAS Books Inc.
Beckett gave an inspiring speech about
the benefits of being a Chamber member
and how it can not only help your business,
but also the community. He highlighted
the mission of the Chamber, advocating for
business, and how the Chamber is striving
to keep the same goals in 2014.
“In 2014, one of the priorities for the
chamber is to advocate for you, to help your
business succeed, which helps us all by increasing the economic base for our community,” he said.
His speech ended with an overview of
the restoration of the Armijo house and how
it will not only be the future home of the
Chamber, but how it signifies the preservation of the area’s history.
Board
Members
Chair of the Board Mike Beckett
COAS Books
Chair Elect Kelly Duke
MountainView Regional Medical
Center
Past Chair Leslie Cervantes
Las Cruces Public Schools
Treasurer/Secretary Brandy Darden
Century Bank
At Large Member Rico Gonzales
El Paso Electric
Membership Services Matt Rush
& Events New Mexico Farm & Livestock
Bureau
Governmental Affairs Russell Allen
Allen Theatres Inc.
Military Affairs/ Savonne Griffin, chair
Aerospace FirstLight Federal Credit Union
Community Stella Shelley, chair
Development Shelley Eye Center
Board Members Dr. Janet Green
New Mexico State University
Marci Dickerson
Dickerson’s Catering
Phillip Rivera
Memorial Medical Center
Richard Haas
Steve Newby Architects & Associates
Inc.
Rick Jackson
American Document Services
Rick Nezzer
Sisbarro Buick/GMC Truck
Sabrina Martin
Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern
New Mexico
Council of Rick Jackson
Conquistadores American Document Services
Legal Counsel John Darden
Darden Law Firm
Advisers Ben Rawson
Doña Ana County Commission
Davin Lopez
Mesilla Valley Economic
Development Alliance
Miguel Silva
Las Cruces City Council
Monte Marlin
White Sands Missile Range
Stan Rounds
Las Cruces Public Schools
Chamber
Staff
FROM THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE CHAIR
Heading north Super Bowl issues
B
W
hen you run a
small business, it
can be tough to
set aside time to talk to your
elected officials about how their
decisions affect your livelihood
and the livelihood of those you
employ.
It’s kind of like voting, where
if you don’t vote, you don’t have
the right to complain. If you
don’t communicate with those
making the decisions, how are
they going to know what you
need?
Every year, the Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce
MIKE BECKETT
makes a pilgrimage north for
its Las Cruces Day in Santa
Fe event. This event is timed to catch the majority of our elected
officials who are already there for the legislative session.
We make the trip to let them know we appreciate the time
they volunteer to represent us – the legislators are not paid a
salary – and to bring forward a list of issues we feel are important
to businesses and economic development in southern New
Mexico.
The face-to-face interaction with Chamber members is
a valuable part of their decision-making process, as it gives
them “true to life” experiences of what is happening in our
communities.
Last year, I saved money to make the trip with other
businessmen to communicate issues I felt were important.
This year, I will attend as your board chair to represent those
who cannot take the time away from their busy schedules. We, as
Chamber members, can feel confident that those who attend this
Feb. 1-3 event are there to advocate on issues that are important
to the economic vitality of Las Cruces and the southern New
Mexico region.
If you have a particular issue that is important to you, I invite
you to sign up for this event, or let us at the Chamber know so we
can carry your message as we meet with our elected officials.
Bill Allen, President/CEO
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Mike Beckett, Chair of the Board
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Bill Allen
President/CEO
Troy Tudor
Vice President of Development
Liz Banegas
Office Manager
Cyndi Armijo
Billing & Database Assistant
Rosa Bañuelos
Communications Coordinator
bottom line
the
Bulletin
T H E
L A S
PUBLISHER
Richard Coltharp
EDITOR
Beth Sitzler
C R U C E S
2005 Las Cruces
“Business of the Year”
CONTRIBUTORS
Pat Taylor
Stephen L. Wilmeth
Jeanette Ambriz
Administrative Assistant
RINGING IN YOUR EARS?
experience relief
DESIGN
Rachel Courtney, manager
Theresa Montoya Basaldua,
art director
Ramon Gonzalez
Steven Parra
Rafael Torres
DISTRIBUTION
Teresa Tolonen
The Bottom Line, the official publication of the Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce, is a copyrighted publication that
is designed, produced and distributed monthly by the Las Cruces
Bulletin, 840 N. Telshor Blvd., Suite E, Las Cruces, NM 88011.
Content of The Bottom Line is submitted and authorized by the
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce located at 505 S. Main
St., Suite 134. Articles and columns in The Bottom Line may not
reflect the opinions of the Las Cruces Bulletin. Inquiries regarding
editorial content or advertising may be directed to the publisher at
575-524-8061.
GREATER LAS CRUCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
505 S. Main St., Suite 134 • Las Cruces, NM 88001 • 575-524-1968 • www.lascruces.org
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2 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
y the time this hits the
streets, talk about the Super
Bowl Sunday, Feb. 2, will be
at a fever pitch. It’s Broncos versus
Seahawks in what I hope will be a
very entertaining game.
There are many reasons
for wanting your team to win,
or wanting the other team to
lose. That’s what sports is all
about – as soon as you put up a
scoreboard, you realize there’s
going to be a winner and a loser.
Many issues we deal with are
not that clear cut, but often we
talk about them way we talk about
BILL ALLEN
sports. We find a way to imbed a
“versus” between points of view, setting up for a winner and loser.
Last week, Las Cruces hosted an event of majestic proportions
– the Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks national monument forum.
It was so big U.S. Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, and U.S.
Sens. Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich were there to listen to a
variety of perspectives on preserving the Organ Mountains. It was
so big that there just wasn’t enough space in the banquet room.
I look forward to continuing this discussion when the Chamber
makes its annual advocacy trip to Washington, D.C., in March.
Everyone was in favor of protecting the Organ Mountains,
so why all the hoopla? I think the reason is that we found a way
to insert that nasty “versus” word into the discussion. One of the
great things about this community is how we collaborate for the
betterment of our citizens . I think this could, and should, be an
issue agreed upon locally. We don’t need millions of dollars pouring
in from outside of the state on a marketing campaign to tell us what
we already know. We don’t need bus loads of people from other
cities coming here to support something we all believe in.
We need to sit down at a table, get all the points out and come to a
conclusion that works for Doña Ana County. We should keep this in
mind as other issues such as SunZia Southwest Transmission Projects,
the minimum wage and public education come up for discussion.
Oh, and go Broncos!
Ray Bamberg, BC-HIS
Call us now for your FREE Hearing Evaluation
920 N. Telshor • Las Cruces, NM 88011
Mon.- Fri. 9am-5pm
(575) 526-EARS (3277) • 800-950-8816
www.hearonearthnm.com
2013©
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - FEBRUARY 2014
Barnett’s Las Cruces Harley-Davidson
2600 LAKESIDE DRIVE • 575-541-1440 • WWW.BARNETTHARLEYLASCRUCES.COM
Barnett’s Las Cruces Harley-Davidson sells motorcycles, clothing and everything Harley-Davidson.
The store also has a parts and services department as well as riding courses and special events.
Motorcycle company holds
events for community
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce member Barnett’s Las Cruces
Harley-Davidson has been serving Las
Cruces since November 2000, when it
opened as a secondary store for Barnett
Harley Davidson.
In 2004, Barnett’s Las Cruces HarleyDavidson, in existence for 14 years, became a stand-alone full Harley-Davidson
dealership. Barnett’s mission is to fulfill
customers’ dreams and to sell the HarleyDavidson lifestyle.
Mission: To fulfill dreams
Barnett’s Las Cruces Harley-Davidson
is involved with the community and hosts
events throughout the year to help raise
funds and awareness. Some events include
benefit runs, garage parties for women,
boot camps for men, customer workshops,
learn-to-ride classes, blood drives and
the Salvation Army angel tree toy collector. Not only does Barnett’s Las Cruces
Harley-Davidson host events, but it also
is proud sponsors of many charitable and
community events.
Ryan Strobbe works on a bike in the Harley-Davidson parts and services department.
The staff at Barnett’s Las Cruces
Harley-Davidson has many plans for the
future, but one that they are striving for
is to grow the learn-to-ride program, using the new H-D Street 500cc motorcycle.
This program is designed to help new riders learn the basics of maneuvering a bike
and the importance of safety.
In the classroom, participants will get
to know the motorcycle they’ll be riding
and learn the basics of rider safety skills.
Barnett’s Harley is also working on marketing its “first in space” items to the public
as well as developing “space trail” tours for
groups going to Spaceport America.
“We at Barnett’s Las Cruces HarleyDavidson are so honored to be a part of
the groundbreaking events happening at
Spaceport America, where commercial
spaceflight is no longer just a dream,” said
the company’s website. “On May 20, 2011,
we had the privilege of being the first H-D
dealer to launch genuine Harley-Davidson
merchandise into space, and now we’d like
to share our moment in history with you.”
Key individuals to know at Barnett’s
include General Manager Kim BarnettWatters, Parts & Accessories Manager
Ricky Esparza, Service Manager Scott
Logston and General Merchandise Pat
Lopez.
Stop by today to learn more about the
wide selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles and how Barnett’s Harley-Davidson
Las Cruces can help you find your next
dream motorcycle.
2014 SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE
NOW AVAILABLE
Commit
before
April 30
for 2014
rates
IN PRINT & ONLINE
575.524.8061 • Fax 575.526.4621 • 840 N. Telshor, Suite E, Las Cruces, NM 88011
THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 3
Chamber’s stance on wilderness
Border security, safety are top concerns of organization
By Bill Allen
Chamber president/CEO
Interior Secretary Sally Jewell, Sens. Tom
Udall and Martin Heinrich – thank you for
convening a forum on what is obviously a
topic that has drawn a great deal of interest.
From the perspective of the Greater
Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, I want
to make it clear, first and foremost, that
we are in favor of protecting the Organ
Mountains. We have not, nor will not, deviate from that position.
We currently have 217,000 acres designated as Wilderness Study Area in Doña
Ana County. That, combined with an area
which is consistent with House Resolution
995 would provide protection for more
than 250,000 acres. That is approximately
one-eighth of our total acreage in Doña
Ana County.
It’s important to point out that former
New Mexico Sens. Jeff Bingaman and
Pete Domenici, with 66 combined years
experience, proposed their own versions of
wilderness protection for our area that included the Organ Mountains and many of
the key wilderness study areas before leaving office. These bills ranged from approximately 265,000 to 300,000 acres, which is
close to the acreage I just mentioned.
Today, we are looking at nearly 500,000
acres.
So, how much is enough – and how
much is just too much?
Areas and items that are of major concern to us and our membership in the proposed monument area include:
• There are no provisions in S. 1805 for
Bureau of Land Management land
releases for the future growth of Las
Cruces as Domenici’s original proposed
bill addressed. Instead, this bill takes
more land away. Less land leads to
higher land prices long term, and in our
community, where one in four people
already live below the U.S. poverty level
and 75 percent of the households make
less than $50,000 a year, that is an issue.
We are worried about long-term impact
on our cost of living and the cost of doing business in our community.
• We are also worried about the economic
impact on the agriculture and ranching
communities, including some properties that go back multiple generations
in southern New Mexico. We cannot
handle any reduction of our agricultural
community and its impact on our already fragile economy.
• We are concerned with S. 1805’s impact
on border security and, thereby, the
safety of the citizens of our county. The
fact that the Doña Ana County Sheriff,
the Border Sheriff ’s Association and
National Assocation of Former Border
Patrol Officers all oppose this new bill
speaks for itself.
• S.1805’s 500,000-acre footprint of more
restrictive federal control will have a
major impact on our watershed and our
ability to maintain and protect our com-
munity from flooding, which parts of
our county experienced in 2006.
I continue to hear and read conflicting
information on the previously mentioned
items and, as a worst-case scenario, we need
to validate these issues before considering
such a permanent solution. Equally important, these issues such as border security
and flood control could negatively impact
our ability to attract new business to the
area regardless of how many available acres
there are.
An area of general concern to me as
an individual is all the money being spent
from outside of New Mexico to drive this
change. There are many people here today
from other cities and states. One of the
great things about this community is how
we collaborate for the betterment of our
citizens – witnessed by projects such as
our early college high schools and Doña
Ana County Legislative Coalition. I think
this should be an issue agreed upon locally.
Perhaps I am just a bit naïve.
No matter which side of the issue you
fall on, I think that we all agree on one
thing: Let’s find a way to protect our Organ
Mountains.
Y: Yea vote, N: Nay vote, NA: Abstained from vote or not present, -: Vote not held
Note: All future ordinances and resolutions will be reviewed by an independent economist to determine the impact on jobs in the community.
4 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
Commissioner Leticia Duarte-Benavidez
-
Commissioner Wayne Hancock
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner Karen Perez
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner David Garcia
Councillor Ceil Levatino
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner Billy Garrett
Councillor Gill Sorg
Y N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N NA
Y
Y
Y
Y
NA Y
N Y
Councillor Miguel Silva
Councillor Nathan Small
'
'
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Councillor Olga Pedroza
City of Las Cruces Minimum Wage Increase Resolution
'
&
'
'
&
&
Mayor Pro Tem Greg Smith
The chamber is working to ensure the
Mesilla Valley is a pro-jobs environment
and will help identify pro-jobs elected
officials who are assisting in that goal. Each
month, this page will contain the chamber’s
pro-jobs scorecard for elected officials with
voting information on ordinances at the city
and county level.
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (park)
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (rescind roads, drainage)
Resolution for Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National Monument
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (public safety)
Resolution for Expanded Informed Consent Legislation
CLC/DAC Support Annual Funding for MVEDA
Doña Ana County Noise Ordinance
City of Las Cruces Security Alarm Ordinance
Mayor Ken Miyagishima
Discussion Item
Pro-Jobs
Pro-jobs scorecard for City of Las Cruces & Doña Ana County elected officials
Y
Y
Y
-
-
N
Y
Y
-
-
N
Y
Y
-
MILITARY
WSMR welcomes new contracting director
Cheryl Rivera brings 27 years of experience to base
By Adriana Salas
Missile Ranger Staff Writer
After saying farewell to their director of many years in
November 2013, the White Sands Missile Range Mission
and Installation Contracting Command team welcomed a
new director, Cheryl Rivera, in January.
Rivera, who has 27 years of contracting experience, said
she was groomed for her new role ever since she started at
a GS-2 pay grade. Rivera credits Fort Lewis, Wash., for
teaching her the “contracting trade” when she started there
as a contracting specialist. Since her start in Washington,
Rivera said she has worked with several agencies throughout
her career that will prove valuable when working with the
diverse agencies at WSMR.
“I’ve had just about every job there is in this contracting office,” Rivera said. “I’ve got varied experience, so I don’t
shy away from the (Army Test and Evaluation Command)
world.”
Rivera commutes to WSMR from Fort, Bliss, where she
lives with her husband, 1st Sgt. Emilio Rivera. As a military
spouse, Rivera not only deals with jumping into a new role,
but she has to balance the emotional impact of her husband’s upcoming deployment at the end of the month.
Rivera, originally from Michigan, met her husband when
she was working as an acquisition staff officer for the Army
Europe G4 in Germany. The two have been married for nine
years and have gone through five deployments together.
“Half of me is a very proud military wife, so I wear two
hats,” Rivera said.
Since her start in January, Rivera has seen several
changes occur within the organization. Rivera said the
staff will primarily be civilians, since the soldiers have been
pulled away from their roles here at WSMR. In order to
make up for the loss of soldiers and a drop in staff due to
retirements, Rivera said she is looking into hiring on five
to six new personnel.
Rivera said there are no pressing changes for the contracting office other than a change in the organization as
a whole. According to Rivera, MICC will now be run by
418th Contracting Support Brigade in Fort Sam Houston,
Texas. The command also welcomed a new one star general,
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Gabbert, who will be visiting the WSMR
Contracting Command.
“I’m excited to be here and work with all of the different directorates and activities at White Sands,” Rivera said.
“I’m excited to partner with them and help out and be part
of the team.”
Thank You
to the
From the hardest working people in
southern New Mexico for naming
The 2013 Non-Profit of the year
Photo by Adriana Salas
Cheryl Rivera is the new White Sands Missile Range mission and
installation contracting command director. Rivera resides in Fort Bliss
and has 27 years of contracting experience.
Unexpected guests. Family. Craving a home cooked meal.
You
deserve
a Winter Home
Join in the FUN at Picacho Hills!
1800 Copper Loop, Las Cruces, NM • www.TrescoInc.org • 575-528-5200
Serving Las Cruces since 1968
and White Sands since 1988.
New seasonal and corporate memberships
available, starting at $230 per month.*
6861 Via Campestre, Las Cruces, NM
575.523.8641 • www.picachohillscc.com
*Certain restrictions apply. Please call for details.
THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 5
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH - FEBRUARY 2014
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
3600 ARROWHEAD DRIVE • 575-541-7325 • WWW.THEBRIDGEOFSNM.COM
Mission:
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
facilitates collaboration and leverages
resources between public and private
sectors to support educational excellence
and optimize the work force in Doña
Ana County.
Vision:
All students in Doña Ana County
graduate with skills to compete in an
international work force.
Purpose:
Through The Bridge, business
and economic development drive the
conversation on education and build
support for new solutions and strategies
that produce great results across Doña
Ana County and in other New Mexico
communities. The organization is
committed to the mission of facilitating
collaboration and leveraging resources
between public and private sectors to
support educational excellence and
optimize the work force of Doña Ana
County for the 21st century.
Key goals:
• Achieving the highest high school
graduation rate in New Mexico by
2016.
• Optimize career and technical
educational opportunities for students
to satisfy the needs of business in Doña
Ana County.
To reach our goals, we are committed
to these strategic objectives:
• Support the early college high school
model in Doña Ana County and
develop other industry-directed early
college high schools throughout the
state.
• Increase participation in dual-credit
courses for students “at risk” of
dropping out.
• Increase co-operative, internship, and
mentoring opportunities for students
within the business community.
• Advocate and support efforts for a
seamless transition between and among
Doña Ana County education systems.
• Encourage activities that increase
collaboration among educational
institutions and private sector partners
to leverage and coordinate resources to
advance to goals of The Bridge.
• Identify and support efforts known to
achieve higher graduation rates.
History:
The history of what now operates as a
business-driven, nonprofit collaborative
began in 2007 in Doña Ana County
with an unprecedented public-private
community initiative. Leaders from
multiple business sectors, elected county
and city officials, Mesilla Valley Economic
Development Alliance and chambers of
commerce worked in partnership with all
levels of the area educational community.
The group committed to sit together at
the same table to solve the same problem
to improve the future for our youth and
the community.
Incubated by the Education
Committee of the Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce, the work evolved
into the Regional Education Initiative.
The REI formed The Bridge in 2009
to facilitate collaboration across sectors
and to support implementation of best
practices that advance education and
engage youth in the work force.
Key people to know:
Staff:
Stacie Allen, President and CEO
Sherry Reese-Gill, Executive Assistant
Board of Directors:
George Ruth, Chairman
Andy Burke, Vice-Chairman
Wanda Mattiace, Treasurer
Stan Rounds, Past Chairman &
Secretary
Kari Mitchell
Suzanne Quillen
The Bridge of Southern New Mexico was created in 2007 by the Education Committee of the
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce.
Events and activities:
This January, The Bridge of Southern
New Mexico partnered with The Daniels
Fund to award grants totaling more than
$400,000 to start new early college high
schools at Albuquerque, Carlsbad, Gadsden
and Hobbs public schools. The Bridge
Board of Directors joined with Daniels
Fund leaders and Gov. Susana Martinez for
the presentations at Arrowhead Park Early
College High School.
In May, Arrowhead Park Early College
High School will celebrate the first
graduating class. Many of these students
will graduate with an associate degree and
industry certificate in addition to their
high school diploma.
Future plans:
• The demonstrated strengths and
economic benefits of dual-credit
opportunities for high school students,
business mentoring and the early
college high school model are evidence
that The Bridge is achieving profound
results that can be sustained and
replicated throughout New Mexico.
• Bridge leaders and their community
partners will continue to demonstrate
how business can work hand in hand
with education leaders to develop the
state’s future work force, entrepreneurs,
innovators and leaders.
• Through our partnerships, The Bridge
is bringing business and education
leaders together to connect theirs
visions and to provide leadership,
efficiency, trust and quality among our
teachers and businesses, resulting in
achieving educational success.
• Developing and enhancing current
business mentoring programs to
connect the students to the work force.
Identify and connecting the students
to the key foundational skills one must
have to be successful.
• Advocating for more support of
dual-credit courses offered to high
school students. This will create a
seamless pipeline from K-20, decrease
remediation and increase career
technical education skills.
Promote your business to every Chamber member
AND to every Las Cruces Bulletin Reader
• 60,000 + readers
• Available in print & online
• Monthly promotions
• Great B2B opportunity
Contact the Las Cruces Bulletin for more information
840 N. Telshor, Suite E 575-524-8061 www.lascrucesbulletin.com
6 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
CONQUISTADORE CORNER
Congratulations are in order
Hard work already seen this new year
F
irst, I would like to send a
great big congratulations
to all the award recipients
during the Chamber’s annual banquet Friday, Jan. 17.
The 2014 Chamber Choice
Awards and Gala event was a huge
success, not to mention seeing
friends and meeting new members
of the Chamber was a treat for all.
The Conquistadores started
the New Year in grand fashion
with ribbon cuttings, new board
members going to meetings, planning 2014 events and, of course,
all the final preparation for Las
Cruces Day in Santa Fe.
As always, the time spent in
Santa Fe will be a huge success
and I want to thank all those
who make this annual event
possible. Getting in to speak
with our elected officials and
expressing our top issues in Las
Cruces is extremely important
for the growth of our community.
Planning this event takes months
of hard work and coordination
with numerous agencies. The
committee members put in
numerous hours coordinating
everything from networking,
helping members display their
products in the Rotunda to the
visit at the Governor’s Mansion.
The Conquistadores volunteer
their time, helping ensure
everything runs smoothly, and,
of course, our sponsors are highly
instrumental in the success. My
hat is off to all.
Conquistadores held ribbon cuttings for new Chamber businesses
and welcomed two new yellow team
members into our Conquistador
organization: April Tate from
American Document Services and
Sara Zemler with Consolidated
Solar Technologies LLC.
We were also honored to have
Kiel Hoffman of Pioneer Bank
join the ranks of our lifetime
members and welcomed back
Doug Baron of Pioneer Bank after a leave of absence.
The year has just started, but
the good will ambassadors are
busy as always. If you have an
interest in representing your company or organization, and would
like more information about the
Greater Las Cruces Chamber
and the Conquistadors, call the
Chamber office at 524-1968 and
I promise your questions will be
answered.
RICK JACKSON
Rick Jackson
Chair of the Council of
Conquistadores 2014
Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP LAS CRUCES
Junior Leadership class
learns about health care
The Junior
Leadership
class visited
various area
hospitals
during Health
Care Day
Thursday,
Jan. 9.
Day takes participants to local institutions
On Thursday, Jan. 9, the Junior
Leadership group learned all about health
care in the Las Cruces community.
Many of the students have an interest in
a career in health care and Health Care Day
gave them an opportunity to see the options
in the city.
The day began at the Memorial Medical
Center HealthPlex, an outpatient surgery
center that also offers imaging and lab.
Students viewed the newest equipment at
the HealthPlex, a 64-slice CT scanner that
uses X-ray to create images of the body allowing physicians to see the heart, blood
vessels and other vital organs in detail.
After the CT, they toured the mammogram suite and learned about digital mammography. They were also able to talk to
Radiologist Carmen Metilidi, who spoke
about the way medicine has evolved into the
digital age. The final part of the HealthPlex
tour included a visit to the Operating
Room. Students were able to try their hand
at minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery,
using the camera and operating instruments
to pull candy out of a box.
The students received a tour of the
Rehabilitation and Advanced Care
Hospitals of Southern New Mexico. The
students were given a tour of both facilities by Roy Rivas, the director of compliance for both facilities. The group learned
about patient-centered care and participated in an uplifting patient send off, where
everyone lined the hallway and clapped to
encourage a patient who had just been discharged.
The group toured the rehab gym and
outdoor training facility that is specially
built to help patients learn how to walk on
THE KEY
TO YOUR HEALTH
BEGINS WITH OUR
QUALITY
CARE
different types of surfaces and inclines.
MountainView
Regional
Medical
Center welcomed the Junior Leadership
class for lunch. CEO Denten Park spoke to
the students about career opportunities in
the health care world. He also spoke about
some of the challenges facing the industry
due to health care reform and declining reimbursements. Students were given a tour
of the NICU and Mother/Baby Unit. They
were also able to see and learn about the
DaVinci surgical robot.
Students ended their day at Memorial
Medical Center, where they learned about
the cancer program. Director of Oncology
Services Lynn Arnold asked the class how
many of them had family, friends or loved
ones who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Every hand in the room went up.
Arnold taught them the difference between radiation oncology and medical oncology, both of which are available at the
MMC Cancer Center.
The Junior Leadership group received
a tour of Ikard Radiation Oncology and
was able to see the TomoTherapy machine,
which delivers targeted radiation to the
cancer.
2013 Top Performer on Joint Commission
Key Quality Measures
Memorial Medical Center has been named as one of the nation’s Top Performers on
Key Quality Measures ® by the Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health
care organizations in America. We are proud to be recognized for achievement on the
following measure sets:
Heart Attack • Heart Failure • Pneumonia
MMC is one of only seven hospitals in New Mexico earning
the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for
attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure
performance. Thanks to our team for a job well done.
THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 7
AGRICULTURE
Agricultural advancements: The beat continues
Be cautious of what you coerce
By Stephen L. Wilmeth
When we arrived in California after graduate school
at New Mexico State University, the heyday of the United
Farm Workers (UFW) was still blazing.
I will always remember the morning, coming up Ashe’s
Alley on the expansive Superior Farming Co. Poso Ranch
in Kern County, hearing the call from the ranch foreman
that someone was in the vineyard brandishing a pistol. My
route of travel would take me directly
there and, without saying, my decision
to proceed was immediately considered.
I was relieved when the next radio discussion suggested that all vehicular traffic in the area divert to allow authorities
to handle the situation.
The result of that sort of labor unrest would have long-lasting impact.
It would change the face of much of
California forever and good – bad or
indifferent – the course was set toward
large sweeping changes in crop mixes
and technology changes. The course toward full automation was accelerated.
History would demonstrate that the
Thompson Seedless vineyard, where
lives were threatened by someone with
a pistol in a labor-related event that
day, would be converted to machine
harvested juice grape production. That
labor demand was eliminated.
The same thing would occur in massive strides toward full automation in nut crops. The technology invented by people, such as Earl Anderson of Jack
Rabbit Systems, changed the whole landscape of harvesting. It continues to this day with these systems – improved
beyond even the expectations of those days – being used in
our local pecan harvest annually.
In fact, many contractors who are immersed in almond
and walnut harvest in California extend their season and
their investments by coming to New Mexico for pecan
harvest. From here, some actually go on eastward as far as
Florida where they are now mechanically harvesting citrus
for juice.
The outgrowth of that technology continues today, where automation is completely eliminating labor
requirements in raisin grapes and where thousands of people were once employed starting the first day of September
each and every fall. It has long been the standard of forage
and grain harvesting and those technologies set the course
for similar automated approaches in vegetables and some
fruits. The great majority of wine and juice grapes are now
mechanically harvested.
As a result, thousands of people no longer find the seasonal employment that once existed. How should society
judge that outcome?
From the perspective of farm management, I certainly
have an opinion. I had to later drive
through the UFW pickets at Del Rey,
Calif., where our company took over a
large integrated fruit operation in 1989.
I remember those days and, simply
because I was management, I was targeted and singled out. Like so many
other farmers thereafter, I pushed hard
to eliminate labor and the massive
parallel conflicts that were created. It
wasn’t the crews in the fields and the
interactions with hard working farm
labor that changed my views.
I acquired a huge respect for the
skill and the work ethic of those labor
crews. It was the union hierarchy and
the stewards of oppression that impacted my beliefs and my actions.
Was all the labor strife successful
and helpful? Much of California went
from labor intensity to mechanical and
technology intensity. Labor was eliminated. You make your own decision.
From that massive technology advancement, though,
the next agricultural revolution is almost silently gaining
strength. The foundation was laid by the amazing GPS
technology that has further reduced labor demands and set
the course toward complexity management within fields.
This groundwork technology that is monitoring soil
conditions to actually adjust seeding rates, fertilizer rates,
and even adaptive seed adjustments within the field on the
fly is space-age worthy.
Add to that the advancement with underground irrigation effectiveness, the outcomes are not even yet computed.
What is more, this technology will be tweaked and reapplied to other cropping endeavors that will ultimately enjoy
the same gain.
The outgrowth
of that technology
continues today,
where automation
is completely
eliminating labor
requirements.
Labor will be further reduced.
So, should we stand and cheer and marvel at what has
transpired, or shall we remain skeptical of the strength of
our system? I’ll cheer the results and respect the gain. If
I was still in farming, I’d be immensely relieved that the
headache of labor is diminishing.
I am no longer there, though, so I can honestly say
there are some things I miss from those days of direct involvement with large crews. I miss the skill sets of those
seasoned crews. I miss seeing the same people year after
year, and I miss the allegiance that was bilateral.
I’ll also submit the system has been put at higher risk
and I’ll suggest you no longer eat the same quality of certain fruits, but that should be reserved for another column.
Stephen L. Wilmeth is a rancher from southern New Mexico. “It
was a good place. It was a glimpse of what we have been promised …
Merry Christmas.”
www.lascruces.org
For more information on these businesses, please visit the
chamber website and click on the directory.
HAVING TROUBLE PAYING YOUR PROPERTY TAXES THIS YEAR?
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8 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - FEBRUARY 2014
Flowerama No. 104
1300 EL PASEO ROAD • 575-523-6400 • WWW.FLOWERAMAOFLASCRUCES.COM
Making that certain someone feel special
Everyone can agree that flowers
make a great gift for all occasions and
with Valentine’s Day just around the
corner, Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce member Flowerama is ready
for one of the busiest times of the year.
Owner David Watson said that
although Valentine’s Day is a busy day
and can be quite difficult, he appreciates
that customers still turn to Flowerama for
special gifts. The flower gift shop has been
making special moments memorable for
more than 29 years.
Flowerama’s journey began at its first
location at Mesilla Valley Mall. It opened
on Feb. 1, 1985. After more than 10 years of
service it closed that location in December
1995.
Flowerama’s current location opened its
doors to customers in 1990 and has served
Las Cruces and surrounding areas ever
since.
Owners David and Donna F. Watson’s
mission for Flowerama is to provide Las
Cruces with quality floral products and
service at a reasonable price.
Flowerama is a featured florest in
The Knot, which caters to weddings
and provides bridal bouquets, wedding
ceremony flowers, floral cake decorations
and centerpieces. Flower arrangements
can also be made for other occasions such
Beginning in 1985, Flowerama was located in the Mesilla Valley Mall before moving to its El Paseo
Road location in 1995.
as birthdays, anniversaries or just to make
someone smile.
Customers have been enjoying
Flowerama’s beautiful flowers for many
years and now can also enjoy fruit
bouquets.
Since April 2013, customers can order
these delicious gifts through 1800flowers.
com and can be picked up at Flowerama.
“There are only about 100 locations in
the United States that offer fruit bouquets
and we are excited to be part of that group,”
Watson said.
Although it is still too early to measure
the success of the new addition, Flowerama
hopes for it to be a big hit.
There are only
about 100 locations
in the United States
that offer fruit
bouquets and we’re
excited to be a part
of that group.
DAVID WATSON,
Flowerama owner
Flowerama offers a wide variety of items to celebrate just about any event, including Valentine’s Day
and weddings.
High-quality, Reliable, Award-Winning Products
Local Service and Support for all Office Environments
s Copiers
sPrinters
sFax Machines
sNetworking IT
sPrint Management Services
sDocument Management Solutions
2840 N. Telshor
575-524-4384
ptsofficesystems.com
THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 9
ANNUAL BANQUET
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Annual
Banquet Keynote Speaker John McManamen,
White Sands Test Facility manger, addresses the
banquet crowd Friday, Jan. 17, at the Las Cruces
Convention Center.
Dawn Starostka, owner of Helping Hands event planning, the Small Business of the Year, holds her award,
presented at the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce gala and awards evening Friday, Jan. 17, at the
Las Cruces Convention Center. With her are Richard Coltharp, publisher of the Las Cruces Bulletin, which
sponsors the award, Chamber President/CEO Bill Allen and Past-Chair Leslie Cervantes.
Police
Officer
of Year
Jonathon
Bean is
presented by
Sgt. Jaime
Quezada and
Chief Jaime
Motoya.
2014
Chamber
Chair Mike
Beckett
gives his
closing
remarks
Allen and Cervantes congratulate Dan Sisbarro and Rick Nezzer for the Large Business of the Year award
won by Sisbarro Dealerships.
Clay Doyle of El Paso Electric Co. with Crystal
Apple award honoree Michael Montoya
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10 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
Pam Lillibridge accepts the Nonprofit of the Year
on behalf of Tresco Inc.
Chief Travis Brown with Firefighter of the Year Lt.
Joe Lias
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BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Martha Lozano-Cuaron, Salua Villani and Elizabeth Martinez of Home Kare Inc. of Doña Ana.
Troy Stegner, and wife, Angela Potter of Trust Properties, are ready to enjoy Business After Hours
Thursday, Jan. 23, at M FIVE.
Stephanie Keepers of Accent Real Estate, Christine Logan of New Mexico Economic Development, Bruce
and Mary Ball of Consolidated Solar Technologies
Mary Beth Reinhart and Don Buck
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce members
enjoy the M FIVE atmosphere during the monthly event.
THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 11
LEADERSHIP LAS CRUCES 2014
Leadership Las Cruces returns
Annual program’s classes to begin in March
Participants have submitted their applications and
Leadership Las Cruces 2014 is ready to begin in March.
Since 1991, Leadership Las Cruces, a professional development program sponsored by the Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce, has graduated hundreds of participants who have expanded their leadership pursuits.
Leadership Las Cruces offers robust classroom and field
experiences for community-minded individuals who seek to
enhance their leadership skills and improve our region.
Leadership Las Cruces graduates emerge from the
eight-month program better connected and equipped with a
practical, in-depth understanding of major community issues
and become impassioned about solving them. The program
links individuals to the community, opportunities, professional
development, mentoring and the Chamber’s support network
to help them start or expand their leadership.
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce is
excited to welcome this year’s applicants and hopes to make
it a memorable year.
RIBBON CUTTINGS
THE BRIDGERS GROUP, MERRILL LYNCH – Jan. 10, 425 S. Telshor Blvd., Building C-101 –
Senior Vice President/Financial Advisor Jamie Fletcher holds the proclamation while Resident Director/
Financial Advisor Paul Bridgers cuts the ribbon.
ENDURING LOVE LLC – Jan. 25, 3050 Roadrunner Parkway, Suite A – Nury Campbell, owner,
holds the proclamations while Robert Campbell, owner, cuts the ribbons.
12 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
LAS CRUCES FIRE STATION 7 – Jan. 17, 1050 Crawford Blvd. – City Councillor Olga Pedroza,
District 3, City Councillor Miguel Silva, District 1, and City Councillor Greg Smith, District 2, hold the
proclamations while Fire Chief Travis Brown, City Councillor Nathan Small, District 4, and Mayor Ken
Miyagishima cut the ribbon.
BECK TOTAL OFFICE INTERIORS – Jan. 24, 606 W. Amador Ave. – Lori Addison, owner, holds
the proclamation while Account Manager Tara Rothwell-Clark and interior designer and Project Manager
Brent Aldridge cut the ribbon.
New Members
Alamobritt LLC
Penny Santiago
430-0132
Enduring Love LLC
Nury Campbell
405-9480
The Bean Cafe of Mesilla LLC
Kaleigh Jones
642-2062
EXIT Realty Horizons
- Elias Elizaldez
Elias Elizaldez
915-2999
HTM Inc. dba Security
Specialty Training
Pete Hampton
524-6904
Nutrishop Las Cruces
Dena Curran
491-6064
Peak Behavioral Health Services
Xavier Alvarez
589-3000 ext. 2580
PC Automated Controls Inc.
Daniel Shelton
915-751-0313 109
Renewing Members
Accent Real Estate
Marti Wells
Darden Law Firm
John Darden
Hacienda RV Resort
Jenny Clute
Los Compas Café
Oralia Frietze
Pat Taylor Inc.
Pat Taylor
All Aboard America
Benji Natividad
Diersen Charities Inc.
Daniel Lee Judiscak
Hakes Brothers LLC
Kimball Hakes
McCoy’s Building
Supply
Juan Burgos
Pioneer Bank
Kiel Hoffman
Ambercare Home
Health Care
Juanita Chaney
Doña Ana Arts Council
Kathleen Albers
American Document
Services
Rick Jackson
Anna Mae Evans
Anna Mae Evans
Arroyo Medical Supply
Jeff O’Brien
Asombro Institute for
Science Education
Stephanie Bestelmeyer
Austin’s Fine Jewelry
Keith Austin
Boy Scouts of America,
YUCCA Council
Joshua Inguanzo
El Caldito Soup Kitchen
Gabe Chavez
Elephant Butte
Irrigation District
Gary Esslinger
EXIT Realty Horizons
- Monique Kelly
Monique Kelley
EXIT Realty Horizons
- Wanda Arnold
Wanda Arnold
First New Mexico
Bank of Las Cruces
Sharron Stuart
FirstLight Federal
Credit Union Lohman Avenue
Savonne Griffin
Bradbury Stamm
Construction
Lawrence Peterson
Flowerama
David Watson
Casa Mexicana Tile
Martha Orta
GenCon Corp.
Michael Clute
COAS Books Inc.
Michael Beckett
General Mailing &
Shipping Systems Inc.
Kristen Briggs
D.E. Duggan
Dan Duggan
Goodwill
Ally Lira
Home Kare Inc.
of Doña Ana
McDonald’s Restaurant
Martha Lozano-Cuaron
Mike Lavin
Hub International
Insurance Services
Cathy Hauge
Inn of the Mountain
Gods Resort & Casino
Zulema Estrada
Jacobs Technology Inc.
Kim Hamilton
Johnston’s True
Value Hardware
Larry Brown
Keller Williams Cosette Casciani-Eaton
Cosette Casciani-Eaton
KTSM Television
Gary Sotir
McGinley
Construction Inc.
Kevin McGinley
Memorial Medical
Center
Mandy Leatherwood
Mendez Jewelers
& Appraisals
Rudy Mendez
Mesilla Valley Hospital
Rachel Holst
Mesilla Valley Kitchen
Jeff O’Brien
Meson De Mesilla
Cali Szczawinski
MountainView Regional
L & M Limousine LLC
Medical Center
Linda Mullens
Kelly Duke
Leasing Services Inc.
Joan Rawson
LifeSupport Medical
Ken Hoeksema
Lightyear Wireless,
Independent
Representative
Jack Barclay
Northern Office
Products
Judy Silvers
Oasis LP Inc.
Michael Black
Park Enterprises LLC
Michael Park
Principal Financial
Melodee Smith
RE/MAX Classic Realty
- Christine Telles
Christine Telles
Region II Emergency
Medical Services
Manuel Medina
Savoy de Mesilla
Jill Alcron
Schwalm, Martos & Co.
Myrle Schwalm
ServiGas/Ikard &
Newsom Propane
Lance Ross
Strategic Information
Group
Susie Kimble
The Bair Foundation
Martha Dominguez
TopView Leadership
Elke Wunderlich
University of Phoenix
Vanessa SmallpageHerrera
Vantiv
Jerry Heiskell
Village Inn Pancake
House - El Paseo
Ruth Blankenship
Walmart Supercenter
- Valley Drive
James Torres
Sierra Alta Ranch LLC
Tom Mobley
Wells Fargo N.A.
- Telshor Store Trudy Isaacks
Judith Wetzel
Southwest Sport &
Spine Center Inc.
Denise Campbell
Wienerschnitzel
- El Paseo
Tim Kass
Sports Skills Institute
Marci Dickerson
Williams Family
Ranches
Dudley Williams
Steinborn & Associates
Real Estate - Ron Bruder
Ron Bruder
Your Host...
New Mexico
Joanne Bess
Steinborn - Teresa
“Teri” Quitmeyer
Teresa “Teri” Quitmeyer
THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 13
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEDULE
FEBRUARY 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce
Saturday
Las Cruces
1
4 p.m.
Conquistador
Executive
Committee
Quick Facts
BUILDING PERMITS
7:30 a.m.
Military Affairs
Committee, Mesilla
Valley Hospice
Total YTD Total YTD
%
2012
2013
change
Number of Permits
2,459
2,463
-0.2%
Valuation
$2,860,206 $2,731,569 4.5%
Source: City of Las Cruces - Wednesday, Jan. 22
2
9
3
4
5
6
9 a.m. Las Cruces
Young Professionals
Committee
8:30 a.m.
Junior Leadership
Las Cruces
11 a.m.
Finance Committee
9 a.m.
Commercial Space
Committee
Noon
Member
Advisory
Committee
10
11
4 p.m.
Executive
Committee
16
17
18
4 p.m.
Board of Directors
Committee
12
4 p.m. Issues &
Governmental
Affairs
Committee
13
7:30 a.m.
Education
Committee
11 a.m.
Events & Benefits
Committee
11 a.m.
Small Business
Council Committee
11:30 p.m.
State of the
City Update
19
11:30 p.m.
Small Business
Workshop
20
7
8
CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
is the primary advocate for the greater Las
Cruces business community, dedicated to
fostering growth and opportunity by focusing on
communication, education and participation.
14
15
FULFILLING THE
COMMUNITY NEED
21
5:30 p.m.
Business After
Hours
22
The following statistics from the past 30 days indicate
the number of individuals interested in learning more
about the Chamber by visiting the website. Those
who have visited the site inquired about relocation
advice as well as the approximate number of member
business referrals by Chamber staff members.
12,910
3
people visited the Chamber’s website
23
24
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
25
26
27
28
people inquired about relocation
CHAMBER EVENTS
2014 Life is Good is coming soon
Contact the Las Cruces Bulletin to reserve
your space or for more information
575-524-8061 • 840 N. TELSHOR, SUITE E.
WWW.LASCRUCESBULLETIN.COM
14 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
CHAMBER MEMBER BRIEFS
Local firm takes Eagle Award
for Centennial H.S. design
Las Cruces firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini (D/P/S) won
11 awards from NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate
Development Association, including highest honors for
Centennial High School and Total Wine & More in
Albuquerque.
Judges said the Eagle Award winning Centennial
High School, designed by D/P/S in association with ASA
Architects, welcomes students, faculty and staff to indoor
and outdoor spaces nestled within the natural topography.
The design for Total Wine & More also garnered an
Eagle Award, presented to the highest achieving projects of
each category.
D/P/S received merit awards for the following projects:
• Sandia Baptist Church Expansion, Albuquerque
• Presbyterian Health Services Española Hospital Patient
Wing Expansion, Española
• City of Albuquerque Fire Stations 2 and 7,
Albuquerque
• Bicycle Technologies International (BTI), Santa Fe
• US Bank Las Cruces, Las Cruces
• Earth Spirit/Greetings from NM at the Albuquerque
International Sunport, Albuquerque
• Grants-Cibola County Schools Cubero Elementary
School, Cubero
• UNM Collaborative Teaching and Learning Building,
Albuquerque
• ENMU-Roswell Educational Center, Roswell
D/P/S, with offices located in Las Cruces, Albuquerque
and Amarillo, Texas, specializes in architecture, interior
design, landscape architecture, planning and structural engineering. The firm has a a 50-year portfolio of education,
health care, commercial and mixed-used projects.
For more information, visit www.dpsdesign.org or call
505-521-9700.
Dining passport returns
The Las Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau has begun its second annual Ticket to Taste dining passport program. Intended to encourage visitors and residents to experience new and different restaurants in Las Cruces, Ticket
to Taste will end Monday, March 31.
Passports can be picked up at participating restaurants,
area hotels and the Convention & Visitors Bureau or downloaded at the CVB website. To play, take your passport to
any of the participating restaurants and, after your meal,
have your passport validated by your server. Visitors must have a minimum of five stamps or entries
to be eligible to win, and Doña Ana County residents must
have 15.
Entries will be accepted through 11:50 p.m. March 31,
with a random drawing to be conducted on April 1.
Visitors to Las Cruces can win a two-night complimentary stay and a $500 gift certificate to experience the culinary delights of Las Cruces. Doña Ana County residents
can win a $750 culinary experience featuring edible prizes
and gift certificates from participating restaurants.
Completed passports should be returned to the Las
Cruces Convention & Visitors Bureau, 211 N. Water St.
For more information, visit www.exlorelascruces.com/t2t or
call 541-2444.
NM Chile Conference
to bring the heat
The 2014 New Mexico Chile Conference will be held
Tuesday, Feb. 4, at the Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, 705
S. Telshor Blvd.
A welcome reception will be held from 4 to 6 p.m.
Monday, Feb. 3, and the full-day conference starts at 8
a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 4. The annual conference is hosted by
New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute and
features practical solutions for chile growers, processors
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and producers.
“The New Mexico Chile Conference is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the new discoveries in chile pepper
research,” said Paul Bosland, NMSU Chile Pepper Institute
director and chair of the conference.
“The New Mexico Chile Conference is the world’s largest conference dedicated to chile peppers, and we are pleased
to showcase NMSU’s research discoveries to the world.”
The 2014 conference will feature presentations on technological advances as well as research on disease, pest management and drought solutions. The latest industry marketing research will also be addressed.
Guest speaker George Boyhan, an Extension vegetable
specialist from the University of Georgia, will present the
success of the Vidalia onion industry as a model for the
New Mexico chile pepper. Boyhan will share the history
and efforts that resulted in effective brand recognition, and
provide considerations for chile in New Mexico, Bosland said.
Registration for the conference is $105 for individuals and
$425 for booth space that includes registration for two
people.
Registration costs are higher the day of the conference.
Registration can be done by calling 646-3028 or registering online at www.chilepepperinstitute.org/events.php.
Registration forms also can be printed online and then
mailed. Hotel accommodations must be made separately.
Special room rates for participants are available at Hotel
Encanto de Las Cruces.
For more information about the conference, contact
646-3028 or [email protected].
Paul R. Bridgers, CRPC®, CSNA, CFM
Global Wealth Management
Vice President
Resident Director - Financial Advisor
425 S Telshor Blvd C-101
Las Cruces, NM 88011
[email protected] • www.fa.ml.com/bridgersgroup
Tel: 575.521.5114 • 800.497.3514 • Fax: 505.349.8262
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ALL STARTS WITH A VISIT TO THE LIBRARY!
200 E. Picacho Ave. • 575-528-4000
575-528-4005 Reference • library.las-cruces.org
300 A N. 17th Street • 647-0060 • www.adslcnm.com
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THE BOTTOM LINE • February 2014 • 15
Hello, may we help you?
The staff at the Las Cruces Bulletin has new direct telephone lines. Please take note
of the numbers and give us a call when you need us. We’re happy to help serve you.
CIRCULATION
Teresa Tolonen, Circulation Manager
575-680-1841 [email protected]
ADVERTISING
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575-680-1979 [email protected]
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575-680-1980 [email protected]
NEWS
Rachel Christiansen,
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575-680-1975 [email protected]
Beth Sitzler, Special Sections Editor,
575-680-1843 [email protected]
Todd Dickson,
News
575-680-1983 [email protected]
Zak Hansen,
Arts & Entertainment
575-680-1958 [email protected]
Alta LeCompte,
Business
575-680-1840 [email protected]
David Salcido,
Homes & Southwest Living, Church
575-680-1845 [email protected]
Claire Frohs, Marketing Consultant
575-680-1844 [email protected]
Jamie Pfannenstiel, Legals/Classified
575-524-8065 [email protected]
Jorge Lopez, Marketing Consultant
575-680-1860 [email protected]
Pam Rossi, Marketing Consultant
575-680-1974 [email protected]
PRODUCTION
Theresa Basaldua, Special Sections Manager, Art Director
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575-680-1858 [email protected]
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575-680-1981 [email protected]
PUBLISHER
Richard Coltharp, Publisher
575-526-4712 [email protected]
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575-680-1976 [email protected]
Main Phone 575-524-8061
Fax 575-526-4621
16 • February 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
840 N. Telshor Blvd. Suite E
Las Cruces, NM 88011