Document 6467250

bottom line
the
GREATER LAS CR UCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MARCH 2 0 1 4 • WWW.LASCR UCES.ORG
Good Morning Las Cruces
6:30 to 9 a.m. Wednesday, March 12
Double Eagle
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
Junior Leadership ..............................7
Agriculture Column ............................8
Conquistadore Column ......................8
Small Business of the Month ................9
Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe recap ........10
Las Cruces Young Professionals ............11
Armijo house update .........................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 sees early success in 2014
Several action items get funding during the legislative session
The most important part of the Las
Cruces Day in Santa Fe event, Feb. 1-3,
was the discussions and visits with state
legislators.
Each year, the Doña Ana County
Legislative Coalition (DACLC) establishes
the priorities that the Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce take north and
advocate for during the trip. DACLC
participants include New Mexico State
University, Doña Ana Community College,
City of Las Cruces, Doña Ana County,
Mesilla Valley Economic Development
Alliance, The Bridge of Southern of New
Mexico and the Chamber.
Every year, DACLC does a better job of
delivering the message from southern New
Mexico to the folks during the legislative
session as well as getting it out earlier every
year. That gives us time to speak with local
senators and representatives before they
head north for either 30 or 60 days.
That extra time DACLC has given to
local legislators is essential in allowing them
to understand what the organization is trying
to accomplish. Kudos to Las Cruces City
Manager Robert Garza for putting together
an event where members of the community
can communicate the list of priorities to area
representatives and senators.
As this year’s 30-day session came to
a close, DACLC already saw a few of its
issues get through the House and Senate.
Significant funding has been provided for:
• Job Training Incentive Program, $1.5
million and as a recurring line item
• Local Economic Development Act,
$15 million; $10 million in the budget
and $5 million in the governor’s capital
outlay
• Capital outlay for the construction of
the southern access road for Spaceport
America – a big one for the Chamber
In addition, an item the Chamber has
been in opposition to locally, an increase
in the minimum wage, was heard. The
resolution called to change the New Mexico
constitution to take the minimum wage
Bill Connor, manager at El Paso Electric Co., reviews the Doña Ana County legislative priorities during Las
Cruces Day in Santa Fe Feb. 1-3.
in the state to about $8.40 an hour and
have it tied to cost of living adjustments.
It met its legislative demise when it didn’t
get the required 36 votes in the House of
Representatives.
Many of the legislative requests in the
DACLC package will now be reviewed by
Gov. Susana Martinez as she dissects the
budget. We are hopeful Doña Ana County
will get its fair share of those capital outlay
dollars.
While the Chamber is off to a good
start this year, there is still much work to
be done. There are still dollars and support
from outside of the community being used
to influence and push issues that will affect
the local business community, especially
small businesses still trying to weather the
storm created by the recession and other
uncertainties such as the Affordable Care
Act as well as issues such as the national
monument and minimum wage.
The Chamber has made strides in working
with community leaders, but there are still
those who do not consider the unintended
consequences of their agendas and votes can
cause to hard-working small business trying
to survive. These are businesses that are not
only providing for themselves, but also are
the backbone of the community, providing
jobs that support many families.
When community members join the
Chamber, they join something local – not
from out of state, not something even from
out of town. They join with other hard
working people where they live and talk
about and support the community they
love, where they raise their children and
grandchildren.
Together, we can continue to impact the
community for the better, improve the local
economy, create more and better paying jobs,
address and fix areas where there is struggle
such as education and quality-of-life issues
and the discussion is real and honest because
the Chamber has a vested interested.
This is the Chamber’s commitment to
local businesses. The Chamber will keep
working for business owners – their success
is the Chamber’s success. If you haven’t
already, join this conversation about your
home.
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
Saving our legacy Success in Santa Fe
D
riving east on Lohman
Avenue, you may have
noticed the wood
buttressing on the walls of the
Armijo house. This is exciting
to see because it is the first step
in the process of restoring and
repurposing the old home to
a brand new use, the location
of the Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce.
This property is of special
importance to the Chamber
because it was purchased and
renovated in 1877 by Nestor
Armijo, an early pioneer in the
Mesilla Valley who also became
MIKE BECKETT
a prominent businessman.
Eventually, six generations of his
family lived in the home.
We at the Chamber understand the importance of preserving
such an important part of our cultural history in the center of
our city, a place where old and new harmoniously coexist. This
property prominently contributes to a sense of place in our
community that occurs with not just preserving what was, but by
bringing it into the 21st century as a functional space.
Phase one of the project is to finish the Armijo house and move
our offices from across the parking lot into it, which will also have
space honoring the past as well as the sponsors of the project.
Phase two will be to complete a western wing, expanding
meeting and community space for our members.
We have made great progress already in reaching our financial
goals, but this effort requires commitment from others who also have
the vision to see what an important contribution to our community it
is to save and reinvigorate this valuable piece of our history.
The time to give back to your community is now. The
contribution to this project will be a tangible and permanent
investment in our present as well as in our future.
To learn more about this historically significant property
and how you can help to be part of something great, visit www.
lascruces.org or call 524-1968.
Liz Banegas
Office Manager
Cyndi Armijo
Billing & Database Assistant
Rosa Bañuelos
Communications Coordinator
Jeanette Ambriz
Administrative Assistant
I
t was great to see all the
first-time participants
at Las Cruces Day in
Santa Fe, especially the newer
Conquistadores.
Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe
would not be possible without
the support we receive from the
Conquistadores. Because we had
a good number of “less tenured”
folks take time out of their busy
schedules to be there, it bodes
well for the long-term future of
the event. Nor would the event
be possible without our sponsors
– Las Cruces organizations such
BILL ALLEN
as MountainView Regional
Medical Center, City of Las Cruces, Doña Ana County, New
Mexico State University, Comcast, US Bank, Las Cruces Bulletin,
Las Cruces Public Schools, American Document Services,
Dickerson Group, Enterprise Car Rental, Marron & Associates,
Walmart, Roberto’s Mexican Food, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of
Santa Fe, Domino’s Pizza and Pecos Valley Pizza.
We obviously had to make some changes to this year’s event,
changing up the day of the governor’s residence visit and planning
for the Super Bowl to name just a couple – but all of the things
under our control worked very smoothly. We are fortunate to have
secured the Eldorado Hotel & Spa for another two years.
I am not overlooking the contributions of the “veteran”
Conquistadores. Their knowledge and history is extremely important
to this event that has basically turned into a year-round activity.
The committee has already completed the debriefing from 2014
Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe and has a number of ideas to make
2015 more memorable. If you have any suggestions, contact me at
the Chamber offices so I can take your input as well.
Thanks again to all that participated. We realize that this is an
investment of money and time on your part.
At the same time, I think that you all realize that 250 Las
Crucens singing out of the same hymnbook carries weight and helps
to make southern New Mexico stronger and a great place to live.
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
FROM THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE CHAIR
bottom line
the
Bulletin
T H E
L A S
C R U C E S
2005 Las Cruces
“Business of the Year”
PUBLISHER
Richard Coltharp
EDITOR
Beth Sitzler
CONTRIBUTORS
Drew Hamilton
Troy Tutor
Stephen L. Wilmeth
DESIGN
Ramon Gonzalez
Steven Parra
Rafael Torres
DISTRIBUTION
Teresa Tolonen
ADVERTISING
Shellie McNabb, manager
Amy DuClair
Claire Frohs
Jorge Lopez
Pam Rossi
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 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
2840 N. Telshor
575-524-4384
ptsofficesystems.com
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - MARCH 2014
Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Business on the go
1340 S. VALLEY DRIVE LAS CRUCES, NM 88005 • 575-525-1778
After beginning in 1957, Enterprise Rent-A-Car can currently be found in 6,500 locations throughout the world, including in Las Cruces, which will receive three new locations.
Means of transportation is a necessity
for everyday tasks and in the business world,
on-the-move options for travel have become
a demand.
Although most Americans own more
than one vehicle, sometimes traveling or
moving requires help that one might not
have access to. Car rental companies have
become a great help for these needs.
Enterprise Rent-A-Car was founded in
1957. It now serves 6,500 neighborhood and
airport locations throughout the world.
In Las Cruces, Enterprise has built a
strong image by holding its main purpose of
providing customer satisfaction.
The company’s mission is to fulfill the
automotive and commercial truck rental,
leasing, car sales and related needs of its
customers and, in doing so, exceed their
expectations for service, quality and value.
Enterprise strives to earn its customers’ long-term loyalty by working to deliver
more than promised, being honest and fair
and “going the extra mile” to provide exceptional personalized service that creates a
pleasing business experience.
Enterprise motivates its employees to
provide exceptional service to its customers
by supporting their development, providing
opportunities for personal growth and fairly
compensating them for their successes and
achievements. Company officials believe it is
critical to the success of the company to promote managers from within who will serve
as examples of success for others to follow.
Although it is the company’s goal to be
the best and not necessarily the biggest or
the most profitable, its success at satisfying
customers and motivating employees will
bring growth and long-term profitability.
About 75
percent of our
employees donate
funds to a chairity
of their choice.
ADRIAN CARRILLO,
Enterprise branch manager
Enterprise offers its services to a
wide market. Its service to customers on
vacation, corporate offices, retail, large
business travel and local higher education
institutions such as New Mexico State
Convenient.
When Minor Illness Or
Injuries Just Can’t Wait
University. It has been able to keep
its competitive edge by listening to its
customers’ needs and meeting them to a
higher level then its competitors.
Although Enterprise encounters obstacles like any other business, it stays on its
feet and is there for its customers 24/7. In
the future, Enterprise plans to expand and
open three additional stores in Las Cruces.
Enterprise has become one of the top locations to hire graduates and is very involved
with the community. Every year employees
participate in fundraising for the United
Way campaign.
“About 75 percent of our employees
donate funds to a charity of their choice”
said branch manager Adrian Carrillo. “Two
of the charities in which we donate are
the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the
Humane Society.”
575-526-7777
1455 S. Valley Drive
Open 7 Days A Week
11:00
am--97:00
9 am
pmpm
THE BOTTOM LINE • March 2014 • 3
Minimum wage hike’s inconvenient truth
Report confirms raising it could cost jobs
There has been a lot of discussion recently at all levels – federally, statewide
and locally – about the minimum wage.
Questions that arise due to this discussion include: Should it be raised? If so, by
how much? What is it intended purpose?
What impacts will we experience if it is
raised?
A new report was released by the
Congressional Budget Office (CBO) in
February indicates increasing the minimum
wage would have two principal effects on
low-wage workers. Most of them would
receive higher pay that would increase their
family’s income. Some of those families
would see their income rise above the federal poverty threshold. Some jobs for lowwage workers, however, would probably be
eliminated, the income of most workers who
became jobless would fall substantially and
the share of low-wage workers who were
employed would probably fall slightly. What is the CBO? According to its
website, since its founding in 1974, CBO
has produced independent analyses of budgetary and economic issues to support the
congressional budget process. The agency
is strictly nonpartisan and conducts objective, impartial analysis, which is evident in
each of the dozens of reports and hundreds
of cost estimates its economists and policy
analysts produce each year. All CBO employees are appointed solely on the basis of
professional competence, without regard
to political affiliation. CBO does not make
policy recommendations, and each report
and cost estimate discloses the agency’s assumptions and methodologies.
Reviewing the option to increase
minimum wage to $10.10 per hour – a
figure consistent with a recent edict from
President Obama for new government
contracts – phased in over a two and onehalf year period the $10.10 option would
reduce total employment by about 500,000
workers, or 0.3 percent.
Locally, we have
heard much the same
thing (about the
wage increase): jobs
will be eliminated
and prices will also
increase.
At the same time, real income would
increase, on net, by $5 billion for families
whose income will be below the poverty
threshold under current law, boosting their
average family income by about 3 percent
and moving about 900,000 people, on net,
above the poverty threshold.
So, to net it out, approximately two
out of three people currently being paid at
minimum wage would see an increase in
income that would raise them above the
poverty threshold and the third person
would lose his or her job. This information
is so new that nobody has developed an
impact study on what that job loss would
mean to our economy, but suffice to say it
cannot be good.
Locally, we have heard much the same
thing: jobs will be eliminated and prices
will also increase. The price increases – at
restaurants, bookstores, etc. – impact
everyone, especially those on fixed incomes.
Preparing for future discussion on this
topic, the question we have to ask ourselves:
Would that be that worth the potential
loss of 500,000 jobs? Or perhaps on a more
personal level, if you were voting on this
issue, would you be willing to bet that you
would be one of the two people getting an
increase with the chance that you might be
the one losing your job?
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce’s thought is to foster an environment that allows companies to prosper and
they can then afford to give their employees
who are doing a good job more money.
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 • March 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
White Sands soldier receives life saving armor
Ceremony held to recognize July 4 occurance
By Drew Hamilton
White Sands Missile Range Public Affairs
A soldier with the 2nd Engineer Battalion at
White Sands Missile Range received a unique
token of his career Jan. 17 when he was presented with the armored plate that stopped a bullet
and saved his life during his last deployment to
Afghanistan.
In a small ceremony with the 595th Sapper
Company, members of the Army’s Program
Executive Office (PEO) Soldier presented Sgt.
Thomas Dacey with the armored plate he was
wearing during a battle July 4, 2013.
While conducting an operation to clear a known
enemy compound in Farah Province, Afghanistan,
Dacey’s platoon came under attack from insurgent
forces. After fighting several hours in the compound, Dacey’s squad pushed forward and breached
a wall. After conducting the breach, Dacey stood up
to get a head count of his soldiers and was shot. The
bullet pierced his rifle’s scope spraying him with
debris.
“My arm was burning because I had a couple
(of scope) fragments in my arm, and then I looked
down and realized I’d been shot,” Dacey said.
Dacey ducked around a corner, and seeing the
bullet had been stopped by his armor, he was able
to shrug off the hit and continued to fight through
the rest of the battle.
“I always trusted my equipment and made sure
that I always wore it the right way, but this just
proves that it works,” Dacey said.
PEO Soldier, the organization responsible for
acquisition and sustainment of most common
soldier gear, including everything from armor to
scopes and laser sights, presented the damaged armor plate to Dacey to commemorate his actions
during the battle.
“I’m very proud of (Dacey) for being out there.
You know he was engaged with the enemy in close
combat at less than 70 feet away ... We’re happy his
equipment worked for him,” said Sgt. Maj. Doug
Maddi of PEO Soldier.
PEO Soldier conducts extensive testing, some
U.S. Army photo by Drew Hamilton
conducted on WSMR, of soldier systems and Sgt. Thomas Dacey, a combat engineer with the 595th Sapper Company, 2nd Engineer
equipment to ensure it’s battle ready when given to Battalion, at White Sands Missile Range, holds the armored plate that saved his life
the soldier.
alongside his 2-year-old son, Thomas.
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THE BOTTOM LINE • March 2014 • 5
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH - MARCH 2014
Mesilla Valley Preservation Inc.
301 S. CHURCH ST., SUITE H • 575-521-4794 • WWW.MVPRES.ORG
Preserving our history
Nonprofit looks at restoring area buildings
Las Cruces is the fastest growing
city in New Mexico, and throughout
the decades, it has gained many different additions, such as new homes,
schools and businesses.
The signs of economic development and growth can easily be seen
through the expansion of land usage
for different structures throughout the
city. Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley
have been part of many different historical events such as the trial of the
infamous Billy the Kid and the signing
of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo.
Preservation of more than 4,000 years
of history and culture is the mission of
nonprofit organization Mesilla Valley
Preservation Inc.
Interest from local community people inspired the creation of
Mesilla Valley Preservation Inc., an
organization that allows people to
come together for the same cause.
Historical buildings represent more
then just a structure. They hold artistic
and scientific value through the design of early building techniques. The
cultural significance of adobe homes
– made from a mixture of sand, clay
and water – can be traced back to the
traditions created by the first inhabitants of New Mexico.
Mesilla Valley Preservation receives
donations from donors. Through these
gifts, the organization is able to create
projects to restore different historical buildings throughout the Mesilla
Valley.
Some examples of the current buildings undergoing restoration are the
Doña Ana County Courthouse, the
Las Cruces Country Club and Nestor
Armijo House. Each building holds a
different meaning to the history of Las
Cruces, but all have become important
to the community.
Display of progress and current
work was shown at the 2014 Casas
de Antaño, held Saturday, Feb. 15.
People can now go behind the scenes
to see incredible progress such as the
re-exposed original courtroom at the
old Doña Ana County Courthouse.
Although there is much interest in
preservation, more needs to be done
to educate the community abouty its
importance.
“The biggest obstacle we have
encountered is to educate the community about the value in what we do,”
Executive Director Luan Wagner Burn
said.
Through programs such as the
2014 Casas de Antaño and fundraising
events they hope to create more
awareness.
Like all nonprofit organizations
where funds are limited, Mesilla Valley
Preservation is striving to increase their
assets to provide the same success they
have accomplished for many years to
come. They would like to create longterm projects where donors can see the
progress from the beginning stages to
the end. Showing support to other nonprofit organizations is also important.
“We are in the beginning stages
of creating low-interest loan programs for nonprofit organizations,”
Wagner Burn said.
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6 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
The old Doña Ana
County Courthouse,
which developers
plan to bring back to
life as a Downtown
hotel and conference
center, was one stop
on the Mesilla Valley
Preservation Inc.
Casas de Antaño tour
Saturday, Feb. 15.
Large crowds took the
opportunity to explore
historic buildings, such
as the Amador Hotel,
during the fourth annual
Casas de Antaño selfguided tour.
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JUNIOR LEADERSHIP LAS CRUCES
Jr. Leadership learns about government
Participants look at how the city, county run
Junior Leadership, a program developed by the
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, is composed
of area high school students who are currently enrolled in
their junior year of high school. Participants in this year’s
program are students who attend Las Cruces, Mayfield,
Centennial, Oñate and Arrowhead Park Early College
high schools.
The purpose of the Junior Leadership Program is to
show future community leaders what Doña Ana County
has to offer and how they can help make changes or implement their ideas to better the city.
In February, Junior Leadership participants had the
chance to learn how state and local governments operate
within Doña Ana County. The day started at City Hall
where City Councillor Ceil Levatino, District 6, told the
students that the main ingredient necessary to become a city
councillor is “to have passion in what you do.”
Many of the students were unaware local government
elected officials are part-time council members and most
have full-time employment in Las Cruces. Levatino was
quick to add although the job may insinuate “part-time,”
she works more than 40 hours a week for the City of Las
Cruces, in addition to her full-time career in real estate.
Participants received a full tour of City Hall and learned
about the many important behind the scenes positions
that help to make the city function. The Junior Leadership
Program would like to thank Levatino for her time and insight during the tour.
During the middle portion of the day, Mary Jo Apodaca
from the Doña Ana County Sherriff ’s Department led another tour for the Junior Leadership participants. Students
learned about the county’s history while they toured the facility and learned about the different departments within
county law enforcement.
The Sherriff ’s K-9 Unit demonstrated its skills by having the dogs run routine activities to demonstrate how they
keep our city safe on a daily basis. The experience was educational and informative and Junior Leadership would like
to thank all of the law enforcement individuals for their
service to the community and commitment to keeping the
county safe.
Next, Jess Williams, director of public information and
special projects for Doña Ana County, led a tour of the
Doña Ana County Detention Center. It was enlightening
to see what an impressive facility it was and the students
were amazed at how the center functioned like a small city.
From commissary items to be purchased by those incarcerated, to the strict daily schedule and calm environment, students were impacted greatly by the experience.
“I always felt that jail was full of metal bars, dirty floors
and a scary place to enter,” one student said. “It was really
neat to know how clean it really was and so organized. That
said, I never want to visit jail unless it’s on a tour.”
Junior Leadership would like to thank Williams for his
time and for sharing information with the group and the Doña
Ana County Detention Center staff for allowing participants
to tour the facility and for all of their hard work.
The month of March will focus on economic development
and the Junior Leadership Class will visit facilities that make
an impact on the economic development in the community.
Las Cruces Home Builders Association
2014 Home & Garden Show
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in thi
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City Councillor Ceil Levatino, District 6, discusses the ins and outs
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Booth Spaces and Show Sponsorship opportunities are available now! Feel free to contact us with any
questions and to check availability. We can be reached at 575-526-6126 or offi[email protected].
THE BOTTOM LINE • March 2014 • 7
AGRICULTURE
10 Reasons I Ranch
Columnist discusses his choice of living
By Stephen L. Wilmeth
I ranch is because I want to be a rancher.
I am predestined to being a rancher. I
ranch because of the curiosity of this life
as seen and described by those who came
before me. They bestowed their views upon
and within me.
I ranch because I love the immensity and
purity of the sensory revelations created by
grass, cattle, cowboys, horses and summer
rains.
The patterns of life are timeless. I ranch
because I am humbled being a participant
in the continuum of life.
I ranch because I am fascinated by the
completion of tasks and the horizons that
are then recreated. Nothing is perfect and
nothing is final.
I ranch because I like weather. I’m
reconciled to every aspect of it. Hot, cold,
dry, wet, still or windy, all imply something
that must take place to trigger a shift in the
cycle. My dress allows me to deal with it.
Few recognize the immensity of the
mental, physical and skill detail of ranching. Every ranch is different and every
ranch cannot be run exactly the same. My
conclusions are layered and applied. I ranch
because I savor that freedom.
I don’t believe ranching and spirituality
can be mutually exclusive. I am a member
of the grandest church. I am in the midst
of its sanctuary daily, and I am awed by its
creator. That is why I ranch.
I ranch because I want to pass the extraordinary passion of this life to some young
person who does not yet know he or she will
be a rancher must less what it means.
I ranch because I can unabashedly wear
the hat of my being without pretension or
hesitation.
I am … a rancher.
Stephen L. Wilmeth is a rancher from southern
New Mexico.
www.lascruces.org
Did you know that on the new Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce website
members can:
• Add events to the community calendar
• Update their company profile, including
pictures, videos and social media
• Access online training at a reasonable price
• Share specials with the community on “Hot
Deals” and to the members on the “Members
to Members Deals” section
For more information, please visit the chamber
website at www.lascruces.org.
CONQUISTADORE CORNER
What a day in Santa Fe
I
f you missed Las Cruces Day
in Santa Fe (LCDSF) this
year, you missed an opportunity to network, display your
profession in the Rotunda, go
down on the Senate floor, listen to
important decisions being made,
breakfast and lunch with great
speakers, a fabulous Super Bowl
party, trip to the governor’s mansion and, most important, the opportunity to speak with legislators
from all over the state about the
2014 Legislative initiatives.
Las Cruces was represented
by more than 235 citizens,
business owners and representatives speaking about issues
that directly affect Las Cruces
and Doña Ana County. The
Doña Ana County Legislative
Coalition identified 15 priorities
that will generate the strongest
economic and social return for
our community.
Those priorities include:
southern road access to the
Spaceport America, street improvement, renovations/additions for New Mexico State
University and Doña Ana
Community College, traffic signal
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synchronization and public school
funding, just to name a few.
We also spoke of some much
needed policy changes such as,
Teen Substance Abuse Awareness,
Support for Dual Credit and New
Mexico gross receipts tax and
hold harmless legislation, which
are all very important issues.
The success every year could
not happen without help from
our business community. I would
like to thank MountainView
Regional Medical Center, NMSU,
Comcast, U.S. Bank, City of
Las Cruces, Doña Ana County,
Cruces Trophy and Awards
Center, American Document
Services, The Dickerson Group
and all our volunteers.
Very special thanks goes out to
LCDSF Committee Chair Stacie
Allen and her wonderful group
for 10 months of numerous meetings, planning, coordinating with
agencies from the community,
hotel staff, transportation, food
vendors and much more.
Last, but by no means least,
I want to thank the Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce,
the staff and the board for
their continued support of the
Conquistadore program and all
they do for this wonderful community we call home.
RICK JACKSON
Rick Jackson
Chair of the Council of
Conquistadores 2014
Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce
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8 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - MARCH 2014
Digital Solutions
Evolution of service helps company stay on top
1100 S. MAIN ST., LAS CRUCES, NM 88005 • 575-523-7661 • WWW.DIGITALSOLUTIONSLC.COM
Today, web advertising has become an
essential marketing tool for businesses.
Customers have become more tech
savvy and rely on information being streamed across the web. Due to
this evolution, businesses are turning to web-development services to
keep up with the changing channels of
communications.
Digital Solutions is the largest,
longest-running and most-trusted name
in web design in Las Cruces. It has comprehensive business solutions for companies of all sizes. Web developer Micheal
Lerner stressed the importance of assisting businesses with their overall goals of
web marketing, not just website creation.
Although a well-built website is important to communicate the purpose and services of a business, to be successful it must
be part of a bigger plan.
When asked what changes Digital
Solutions has made to keep up with the
changes in customers needs Lerner said:
“Recently we changed our model of ‘just
building websites’ to providing solutions
for making businesses successful via our
new employee plans. This has gone over
with great success.”
Digital Solutions opened for business in
2003 when it was bought from a previous
company. Through challenges and successes, willingness to adapt has been a key attribute for the business’s accomplishments.
Adapting to constant changes and working
smart is what helps Digital Solutions keep
its competitive edge.
Hard work and dedication has permitted Digital Solutions to expand throughout
New Mexico with the plans of a new shop
opening in Albuquerque soon.
Since 2003, the team at Digital Solutions has worked to take care of the community’s web-design needs.
“Five to 10 percent of our business
comes from out of town,” Lerner said,
adding that although they have customers
outside of the local area, the majority of
their business comes from Las Cruces.
Promotion and advertising is not an
aspect they focus on to generate business.
Advertising is kept to a minimal level,
with word-of-mouth advertising being
their main marketing tool. Lerner said
Digital Solutions prefers to focus on providing outstanding service to its current
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every unique business. They have experienced professionals in eight different
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920 N. Telshor • Las Cruces, NM 88011
Mon.- Fri. 9am-5pm
(575) 526-EARS (3277) • 800-950-8816
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2013©
THE BOTTOM LINE • March 2014 • 9
Chamber, Coggno team up
Rep. Terry
McMillan
welcomes
guests at the
Legislative
Thank You
Reception
during the
Greater
Las Cruces
Chamber of
Commerce’s
Las Cruces
Day in Santa
Fe Feb. 1-3.
Web courses provide local businesses with
a cost-effective way to learn various skills
Taking initiatives
to the State Capitol
Las Crucens head to
north for Chamber’s
annual three-day event
It was another successful year in Santa
Fe when more than 250 Las Crucens met at
the State Capitol to represent the southern
part of New Mexico.
The three-day event began with the
Legislative Thank You Reception where local legislators were thanked for their service
to the community. Among the legislators
present were Reps. Jeff Steinborn, Terry
McMillan and Bill McCamley and Sen.
William Soules. Each legislator was presented with a gift to show the Chamber’s
appreciation for their service.
The following day, legislative initiatives pertaining to the Las Cruces community were highlighted at the Business
Brunch. The Las Cruces Public Schools
Superintendent Stan Rounds shared a few
words in regards to the initiatives. Rounds
emphasized the importance of providing dual-credit courses for students to allow them the opportunity to further their
education before graduating high school.
Rounds stated outstanding facts about
the ratios of high school seniors who will
obtain up to two associate degrees by the
time they graduate, demonstrating how
the program has already been successful.
Other initiatives that were highlighted
were funding for road access to Spaceport
America and Doña Ana Community
College infrastructure.
The final day ended with the Legislator’s
Breakfast where legislators spoke about
topics being deliberated during the current
legislative session. Rep. Mary Helen
Garcia took the podium and reviewed the
importance of the third-grade remediation
bill and her position toward it. Garcia also
acknowledged the struggles of bilingual
students and her support to close the
achievement gap among these students.
Later that day, Las Cruces showed a
presence at the State Capitol Building.
Conquistodores, Chamber members and
Chamber staff were present on the House
and Senate floor, proudly representing our
community. Also at the Rotunda, Chamber
members displayed booths for this year’s
Business Expo.
That evening, the Governor’s Residence
Reception was held, where guests welcomed
Chuck Franco, who spoke on behalf of Gov.
Susana Martinez.
THE KEY
TO YOUR HEALTH
BEGINS WITH OUR
QUALITY
CARE
10 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
The mission of the Greater Las employees to expensive off-site conferCruces Chamber of Commerce is to ences, giving them the opportunity to
grow the local business community and learn at their own pace on a wide variety
to do so, it is continually looking for of electronic devices, including tablets
new, innovative and cost-effective ways and smart phones.
“We are very proud of the relationto support the business community.
Many small business often miss out ship we’ve established with Greater
on programs such as the Chamber’s Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce,”
workshops because they are faced with said Coggno CEO Tod Browndorf.
“Our goal is to prothe daily operations
vide easy access to
and limited resources
a carefully edited
of a small or fledgling
selection of online
business. Still, other
training courses that
business must face the
are relevant to their
high cost of sending
membership. We are
their employees out
very confident that
of town for training
their clients and emwhen training is not
ployees will embrace
available locally.
online learning and
The Chamber ansubsequently enrich
nounces the formatheir
professional
tion of a partnership
BILL ALLEN,
lives with this highly
with Coggno, the
Chamber CEO/president
effective method of
premier
Learning
training.”
Management System
“We are excited to
(LMS) and online
training marketplace, to facilitate the be partnering with Coggno,” Chamber
purchase of popular online training President and CEO Bill Allen said.
courses from the company’s vast on- “One of our primary goals is to provide
line library. Now, businesses can access the resources necessary to help our busiCoggno online training courses directly ness community grow and increase the
through the Chamber’s website, www. skill set of their employees. By adding
lascruces.org, and purchase as few or as online training to our service offerings,
we are one step closer to achieving our
many courses needed.
Coggno specializes in providing a goals.”
Located in San Jose, Calif., Coggno
one-stop shop for individuals and organizations looking to purchase online is the premier web-based LMS offering
training courses needed for certifica- thousands of online training courses in
tion, or to advance employee knowledge all price ranges to organizations, comin topics such as workplace diversity, panies and individuals. The Chamber
ethics, sexual harassment prevention, will be adding new courses on an ongotime management and conflict resolu- ing basis. If your business is looking for
tion. Online training offers companies training in a particular area, contact the
a cost-effective alternative to sending Chamber at 524-1968.
We are
excited to be
partnering with
Coggno.
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.
LAS CRUCES YOUNG PROFESSIONALS
Taylor Selby of Positive Energy Solar, Sara Zemler of Consolidated Solar Technologies, John Ryan of
Positive Energy Solar, Hilary Brinegar of Marron and Associates, Lensi Shakra of Adams Radio of Las
Cruces and Damien Willis of Adams Radio of Las Cruces enjoy the Las Cruces Young Professionals event
Friday, Feb. 7, at Graham’s Central Station.
Mygola Nolar, Yvonne Jimenez and Anna-Marie Espinoza
LCYP board members George Vescovo of Vescovo
Toyota and Harry Day of Best Buy greet guests
arriving to Graham Central Station.
John Ryan starts of the LCYP First Fridays with
some karaoke.
Harry Day
from Best
Buy and
Kayla Jones
from Hester
Agency of
Las Cruces
hand out
one of the
door prizes
of the event
Dr. Daniel Garcia from A New You and Juan Balderrama from Mr. Hats
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AND ONLINE COURSES
NewMexicoMutual.com
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THE BOTTOM LINE • March 2014 • 11
Crews are now working on exterior and interior renovations to the Armijo house.
Workers remove existing walkways for grade changes and addition.
Chamber makes progress on future home
Armijo house featured during historic home tour
By Troy Tudor
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
If you have driven past the Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s future
home – the Armijo house on Lohman
Avenue – in the past few weeks, you would
have seen the flurry of activity, as this
historic building is undergoing restoration.
The building has been encapsulated in
an exoskeleton of scaffolding and structure
shoring as the repairs are being made to the
walls and the building’s exterior begins the
rejuvenation process.
All of the existing sidewalks and paving are being removed to adjust the grade,
which will allow water to be directed away
from the structure.
An original window that had been
removed to make a drive thru during the
building’s life as a bank had been salvaged
and has now been returned to be reinstalled
in its rightful place by Eric Liefeld, president
of Mesilla Valley Preservation Inc.
The interior work has begun and they
begin focusing on electrical, woodwork,
flooring and more.
You also may have noticed a lot of cars
in the parking lot this past weekend as the
building was featured on the 2014 Casas
de Antaño (Houses of Yesteryear) tour.
Sponsored by Mesilla Valley Preservation
Inc., this year’s theme was “Preservation
in Progress.” It was exciting to visit with
the large number of folks who toured the
building, and the Chamber received a lot of
great feedback on the project.
We, at the Chamber, are happy to report
the project is currently under budget and, at
the current pace, we should be able to occupy the restored portion of the project by
the fourth quarter of this year.
We have been pleased to receive many
unsolicited in kind donation offers to assist
in completing the project, but we still are in
need of community support to meet the financial obligations to complete the project.
If you would like to be a part of preserving
a part of our past and the same time make an
investment in our community’s future, contact the Chamber at 524-1968.
Workers install
shoring to
support the
wall while
repairs are
made to the
Armijo house.
Work begins on adjusting the grade of the property to move water away from the building.
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
12 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
New Members
Executive Solutions All in One LLC
Guillermo Figueroa
323-3440
Alaska Structures
Donna McClanahan
541-9116
TWGI Marketing/The
Wright Group Inc.
Heidi Harrison
312-1095
Caliber Collision
Lindsey Cadden
522-4007
Renewing Members
AAA New Mexico LLC
Lynn Guest
Amazing Computer
Service
Alfred Perez
American
Document Services
Rick Jackson
American Linen
Supply of New Mexico
Michael Lutz
Bank of the West Church Street Branch
Brenda Allred
First American Bank
in LC - Mesilla
Joe Bullock
NMSU Arrowhead Center College of
Business Administration
& Economics
Pam Wood
Foreman, Harold (Chub)
Harold Foreman
Golden West Trading Co.
Talea Alberson
NMSU Foundation Inc.
Cheryl Harrelson
Green Lizard
Paul Korody
One Source Federal
Credit Union
Christina Quesada
High Range
Village Apartments
Connie Nunez
Republican Party of
Doña Ana County
Russell Allen
Kool Smiles
Victor Orta
Sierra Title Co.
Jon Hathway
KVIA - TV 7
Michael Sepulveda
Sonic DriveIn Restaurant
Barbara Stammer
Batteries + Bulbs
Loren Stone
Coca-Cola
Angela Payne
Comcast Cable
John Christopher
Comfort Suites
Ayde Martinez
Doña Ana Community College
Andrew Burke
El Paso Outlet Centers LLC
Mike Doblado
Martin, Lutz, Roggow,
& Eubanks, P.C.
William Lutz
SportClips
Rod Reyes
Mathers Realty
Van Bullock
Texas Enforcer LLC
Lorenzo Sosa
Mesilla Valley Hospice
Jean Briley
Verizon Wireless
Nate Warren
NAACP Doña Ana County Branch
Curtis Rosemond
Virgin Galactic
Bruce Jackson
THE BOTTOM LINE • March 2014 • 13
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEDULE
MARCH 2014
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce
Saturday
Las Cruces
1
4 p.m.
Conquistador
Executive
Committee
2
3
4
11 a.m.
Finance Committee
5
6:30 a.m.
Good Morning
Las Cruces, Double
Eagle Restaurant
Noon
Member Advisory
Committee
9
4 p.m.
Governmental
Affairs Committee
BUILDING PERMITS
7:30 a.m.
Military Affairs
Committee, Mesilla
Valley Hospice
6 p.m. Small
5:30 p.m. LCYP
Business Work
First Friday, St. Clair
Shop, DACC
Winery & Bistro
class, Workforce
Development center
6
9 a.m.
Commercial Space
Committee
Number of
Permits
Valuation
7
8 a.m.
Leadership Las
Cruces Orientation
8
8 a.m.
Leadership Las
Cruces Orientation
8:30 a.m.
Junior Leadership
Las Cruces
10
11
4 p.m.
Executive
Committee
12
7:30 a.m.
Education
Committee, Mesilla
Valley Housing
Authority
13
14
17
18
19
4 p.m.
Board of Directors
Committee
23
24
30
31
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
Total YTD
2014
%
change
183
178
3%
$221,849.47
$211,297.20
5%
Source: City of Las Cruces – Tuesday, Feb. 18
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.
FULFILLING THE
COMMUNITY NEED
11 a.m.
Events & Benefits
Committee
20
Total YTD
2013
15
11 a.m.
Small Business
Council Committee
16
Quick Facts
21
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.
5:30 p.m.
Business After
Hours, TBD
15,221
33
people interacted with the Chamber’s website
25
26
27
28
people inquired about relocation
CHAMBER EVENTS
2014 SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE
NOW AVAILABLE
IN PRINT & ONLINE
14 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE
575.524.8061 • Fax 575.526.4621 • 840 N. Telshor, Suite E, Las Cruces, NM 88011
Commit
before
April 30
for 2014
rates
CHAMBER MEMBER BRIEFS
Beasley, Mitchell & Co.
announces promotions
Century Bank welcomes
Oswaldo Luna
Beasley, Mitchell & Co., a privately
owned Las Cruces accounting firm, has
announced the promotion of two employees
to senior accountant. As important members
of the professional team, Chris Harse
and Jeanette Wisner have demonstrated
outstanding performance and exceptional
client services.
Since joining Beasley, Mitchell & Co. in
2004, Harse has developed expertise working with a wide range of businesses including contractors, horse owners, farmers and
attorneys. He earned his bachelor’s degree
in accounting from New Mexico State
University.
Wisner grew up in Hatch and attended Creighton University. She also earned
a bachelor’s degree in accounting from
NMSU, and brings 20 years of accounting
experience to Beasley, Mitchell & Co.
For
more
information,
visit
http://bmc-cpa.com/home.
Oswaldo Luna has joined the Century
Bank mortgage team as the mortgage production manager for Las Cruces.
He brings more than 20 years of experience in the finance industry. He has spent
10 of those years in the mortgage industry.
Born and raised in Las Cruces, Luna attended New Mexico State University. He can be
contacted at 141 S. Roadrunner Parkway,
Suite 101, 521-2417 and 805-3769.
Allstate agent
recognized with grant
Allstate agency owner Dawna Vince
has received the Agency Hands in the
Community Award for her commitment
to helping others. With this award came a
$1,000 grant from The Allstate Foundation
for the Las Cruces High School in Las
Cruces, where Vince volunteers.
“These grant funds will provide necessary resources to Las Cruces High School
that it otherwise wouldn’t have,” Vince said.
“The experiences I’ve enjoyed working with
Las Cruces High School have been life
changing. This organization truly improves
the lives of those within our community and
I’m proud to play a part.”
“The Agency Hands in the Community
Award celebrates the spirit of service.
Commitment to our communities is a natural extension of what we do every day – protecting people and making their lives more
secure,” said Denis Bailey, Allstate’s field senior vice president in New Mexico. “With
support from The Allstate Foundation,
Dawna Vince and Las Cruces High School
are making our hometown a better, safer
place to live.”
Of the $95,000 the foundation gave in
New Mexico in 2012:
• $75,000 helped victims of domestic
violence get free and stay free from abuse
by achieving financial independence.
• $20,000 funded programs that
revitalize neighborhoods, build strong
communities, assist with catastrophe
response, teach tolerance to youth or
alleviate discrimination.
CLEANING SERVICES
• Janitorial Services
Residential and commercial
• Carpet Cleaning
• General Window Cleaning
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Cell: 575-639-6042
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Santa Teresa water
projects announced
New Mexico Lt. Gov. John Sanchez
and the Camino Real Regional Utility
Authority announced new water/wastewater infrastructure projects for the Santa
Teresa-Sunland Park region.
Southern New Mexico’s economy is in
a rapid growth mode, due to the influx of
companies that have located in the region.
To support the growth, Sanchez announced
Gov. Susana Martinez has requested the
Legislature invest 60 percent of its 2014
capital outlay, or $112 million dollars, in
water infrastructure projects.
For the Santa Teresa-Sunland Park region, this means the following:
• $3.3 million to add transmission lines and
wells in the Santa Teresa industrial parks
• $3.7 million for a new wastewater
treatment plant to serve the industrial
and residential growth
Sanchez said investing in these projects will
allow southern Doña Ana County to continue
generating new economic development projects that create good jobs for New Mexicans.
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
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
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ALL STARTS WITH A VISIT TO THE LIBRARY!
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575-528-4005 Reference • library.las-cruces.org
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we are Las Cruces, we are New Mexico.
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16 • March 2014 • THE BOTTOM LINE