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-ILITARY5PDATE ,UNCHEON Thursday, Dec. 6 Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave.
TABLE OF CONTENTS President and Chair columns ................2 Annual Awards Banquet.....................3 Governmental Affairs Issues .................4 Small Business of the Month ................5 Business of the Month ........................6 Military Update Luncheon...................7 Business After Hours ..........................8 Conquistadore Column ......................9 Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe ..................9 Nonprofit Spotlight ............................10 Agriculture Column ............................11 Ribbon Cuttings ................................12 New and Renewing Members ............13 Calendar and Statistics .......................14
*/).4(%#(!-"%2 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 4-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 today at 524-1968 or
[email protected]. GREATER LAS CR UCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
7 6 0 70)#!#(/!6% LAS CRUCES, NM 88005 524-1968 777,!3#25#%3/2'
The Chamber’s 2012 Leadership Las Cruces program graduated a full class of 28 participants during the Leadership Training/Graduation Ceremony on &RIDAY .OV ATTHE#OLUMBUS#ONFERENCE#ENTER!PPLICATIONSFORTHE,EADERSHIP,AS#RUCESPROGRAMARENOWAVAILABLEATWWWLASCRUCESORG ANDTHE#HAMBEROFlCE
Chamber graduates 28 leaders Leadership Las Cruces 2013 now accepting applications Leadership Las Cruces graduated 28 leaders who are taking their commitment to the community to the next level on Friday, Nov. 16. The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce’s premier nine-month leadership program, Leadership Las Cruces, walks participants through the keys to the region’s economy and provides them a network of contacts and friends that will better prepare them to serve as leaders. The program begins each March with an orientation session for class participants. During orientation, classmates get a chance to know each other by participating in several personality profile activities where they can identify their distinct leadership strengths and those prevalent in others. Over the next seven months, the class receives an in-depth look at the areas
of economic development, education, military, health care, agriculture, regional government, nonprofit organizations, art and culture and law enforcement and their effect on the livelihood of the region. “The strength of the Leadership Las Cruces program lies in its diversity. Each year we are able to work 28 amazing people from a wide variety of industries and organizations and show them the strengths and opportunities available in the Mesilla Valley,” said Joel Courtney, Chamber communications and leadership director. During each day, the class hears from key figures in the community, tours various facilities and sees firsthand the innovations and technology that continuously earn Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley recognition from publications around the nation. See Leadership on page 3
,EADERSHIP ,AS#RUCES 28 participants selected by application $900 tuition with scholarships available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations Applications available at www.lascruces.org/downloads.php or at the Chamber office, 760 W. Picacho Ave. Contact Joel Courtney for more information at 524-1968 or
[email protected]
Board Members Chair of the Board Richard Haas Steve Newby Architects & Associates Chair Elect Leslie Cervantes Las Cruces Public Schools Past Chair Margie Huerta Doña Ana Community College Treasurer Kiel Hoffman Pioneer Bank Secretary Terra Van Winter New Mexico State University Member Services Open Member Events Brandy Darden, chair Century Bank Governmental John Hummer, chair Affairs Steinborn & Associates Real Estate Military Affairs/ Savonne Griffin, chair Aerospace FirstLight Federal Credit Union Community Stella Shelley, chair Development Shelley Eye Center Board Members Mike Beckett COAS Books Kelly Duke MountainView Regional Medical Center Janet Green New Mexico State University Jaki McCollum FIG Publications Phillip Rivera Memorial Medical Center Robert Richardson Bohannan Huston Council of Sarah Stegall Conquistadores Surefire Promotional Products Legal Counsel John Darden Darden Law Firm Advisers Tracey Bryan The Bridge of Southern New Mexico Miguel Silva Las Cruces City Council Karen Perez Doña Ana County Commission Davin Lopez Mesilla Valley Economic Development Alliance Monte Marlin White Sands Missile Range Stan Rounds Las Cruces Public Schools
Chamber Staff
End of the year cheer A successful retreat
T
he end of 2012 is fast approaching and with it comes the end of my term as chair of the board. Hopefully, we will survive past the end of the Mayan calendar and have an even better year in 2013. It has been a great year for the Chamber with many successful programs and goals met. Given a rather sluggish economy, chamber membership remained steady and we maintained one of the highest retention rates in the country. This year’s theme was connections. The Chamber has made efforts to connect with our counterparts in the community, including both the Hispano and Green chambers. We have also connected with RICHARD HAAS our local government and have active representation from both on our board. Our community connection will strengthen next year as we move forward to our new home – the historic Armijo House. This project is working to connect the Chamber to Downtown, to historic preservation, to historic Hispanic businesses and to a sustainable building project – quite a package. The Chamber continues its connection to education in our community through Las Cruces Public Schools and the new Junior Leadership program, with The Bridge and its early college high school and our connection with Doña Ana Community College that offers a business course to our members. A new connection this year is the job skills verification work keys program, a certification process to help employers and applicants find the most suitable jobs. Our advocacy connection remains strong and is supported by the Government Affairs Committee. We continue to represent business interests in front of the city, county and state and will strengthen these connections as we move forward into next year. We continue to connect to our military through a wide variety of programs and will continue to advocate on their behalf. Finally, I would like to say what a great honor it has been to serve you this year as chair of the board. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated staff and board of directors who strive every day to better the Chamber. Also, thanks to you, our Chamber members, for your participation. I couldn’t have asked for a more positive group of people to work with this year. I hope the Mayans are wrong, because I am certainly looking forward to seeing you at next year’s events and once again connecting with you. Let’s stay connected.
bottom line the
Liz Banegas Office Manager Joel Courtney Communication and Leadership Director Cyndi Armijo Billing & Database Assistant
Bulletin T H E
I
want to personally thank our board of directors. Again this year, they spent their own money and used their own time to attend our annual board retreat. I think that shows the true commitment that they have to the organization. At this year’s retreat, we focused on just a few strategic issues that will enable us to grow as a Chamber and deliver the programs and services BILL ALLEN that you, our members, have told us are important to you. This work positions us to be even more relevant to the business community for years to come. We will now focus more on advocacy on behalf of our members at all levels and economic development initiatives for small businesses. In addition, we talked about working with a couple of specific industries that we think could use our support. The remaining item discussed at length was the Armijo House renovation project, which will come to the forefront next year as we work on finishing our capital campaign and begin the construction of our new permanent home. We were able to elicit great participation by approaching things a little differently. Instead of working around a large board table, we split into small groups, giving each group an opportunity to present their thoughts on each item we tackled. It was amazing to listen to some of the ideas each group presented while working independently. One thing we found over the years is to have a successful retreat, it is necessary to hold it outside of Las Cruces. Going out of town requires dedication on the part of all of the attendees and eliminates the possibility of staying for a part of the meeting then heading out to a work appointment. Great work was done on behalf of all of the Chamber’s leadership who selflessly spent their own money supporting our efforts that has set the stage for our future. Richard Haas, Chair of the Board Bill Allen, President/CEO Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Bill Allen President/CEO Troy Tudor Vice President of Development
FROM THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE CHAIR
L A S
PUBLISHER Richard Coltharp PUBLISHERS EMERITI Jaki McCollum David E. McCollum
C R U C E S
2005 Las Cruces “Business of the Year”
EDITORS Joel Courtney Rachel Christiansen
DESIGN Rachel Courtney, manager Theresa Montoya Basaldua, art director Ramon Gonzalez Jessica Grady Steven Parra Rafael Torres Mary Zawacki
CONTRIBUTORS Stephen L. Wilmeth
ADVERTISING Claire Frohs Shellie McNabb Jorge Lopez Pam Rossi Jason Scott DISTRIBUTION Alyce Bales
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 760 W. Picacho Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88005. 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 524-8061.
GREATER LAS CRUCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 81JDBDIP"WFt-BT$SVDFT /.ttXXXMBTDSVDFTPSH
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Preparations under way 2013 Annual Awards Banquet Chamber honors individuals, businesses and nonprofits The 2013 Annual Banquet, which allows the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce to honor the citizens and organizations that make the Mesilla Valley a great place to live and do business, has been set for Friday, Feb. 1, 2013, at the Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave. The Annual Banquet is the major event in which the Chamber inducts new officers and board members, outgoing board members are honored for their service and volunteers are recognized for their time. In 2013, outgoing board member Rob Richardson will be recognized for his years of service to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. Incoming Board Chair Leslie Cervantes will present to the membership her plans for the Chamber in 2013 and beyond. The title sponsor for the Annual Banquet is Las Cruces Public Schools. Other sponsors that support this important event include The LNG Company and Las Cruces Bulletin. Awards will be presented to businesses and volunteers in the following categories: Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Nonprofit of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Conquistadore of the Year and Crystal Apple Awards for the Teacher, Administrator and Rookie of the Year. The three new awards from 2012 will be continued at the banquet: Small Business of the Year, which will be selected by the Chamber, and the Firefighter of the Year and Police Officer of the Year, which will be selected by the City of Las Cruces. Nomination forms for the Citizen of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Business of the Year and Nonprofit of the Year are included in the December issue of the Bottom Line on pages 3, 5, 7 and 10, respectively. All nomination
Citizen of the Year Citizen of the Year: _______________________________ Address: _____________________________________
!NNUAL!WARDS"ANQUET
Phone number: _________________________________
When Friday, Feb. 1, 2013
____________________________________________
Where Las Cruces Convention Center, 680 E. University Ave.
Give specific examples for each.
Cost $75 per person, $750 per corporate table
____________________________________________
Contact 524-1968
2. Contributions and service for the welfare and betterment of the
Nominator (No anonymous nominations will be accepted): ___ Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria. 1. Participation in community activities and civic enterprises ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ community ____________________________________
Register online www.lascruces.org/downloads.php
____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________
forms are also available online at the Chamber website at www.lascruces.org/downloads.php. “The Annual Banquet allows us to say ‘thank you’ to the many great people that support the Chamber and the community,” said Bill Allen, Chamber president/CEO. Sponsorship opportunities are still available, and interested businesses should contact Troy Tudor, vice president of development, at 524-1968 or
[email protected]. Tickets for the Annual Banquet are now available for purchase at $75 per person or $750 per corporate table of 10. Register at the Chamber office by calling 524-1968 or emailing
[email protected].
3. Leadership within the community ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 4. Cooperation with individuals and civic organizations ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ 5. Previous awards ____________________________________________
Leadership Continued from page 1 Applications are now being taken for the 2013 class. Candidates for the Leadership Las Cruces program are selected from professional, educational, governmental, nonprofit and business sectors within Las Cruces and the Doña Ana County area. The class size is limited to 28 participants. An individual must apply in order to participate in the program with full support from their employer. Leadership Las Cruces 2012 was
____________________________________________
sponsored by Memorial Medical Center. Other sponsors for the year’s program include Citizens Bank, U.S. Bank and the Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern New Mexico. Tuition for the class is $900, which includes all meals and travel, and advance notice will be given of any additional expense. To apply for Leadership Las Cruces 2013 or for more information, contact Joel Courtney at 524-1968 or jcourtney@ lascruces.org or visit www. lascruces. org/downloads.php. Applications are due Friday, Feb. 1, 2013.
____________________________________________
The strength of the Leadership Las Cruces program lies in its diversity. JOEL COURTNEY, Chamber Communications and Leadership Director
____________________________________________ 6. Support of the strategic vision of the Chamber ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ ____________________________________________ Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later than Jan. 1, 2012, by mail to P. O. Box 519, Las Cruces, NM 88004-0519 or by fax at 527-5546. *For additional space, attach to a separate sheet of paper.
THE BOTTOM LINE s December 2012 s 3
Business organizations take a stance ACI, U.S. Chamber of Commerce lobby to resolve key issues As part of the growing commitment to governmental affairs and issue advocacy, the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce (GLCCC) publishes a Governmental Affairs Positions page. This feature highlights positions taken by the Chamber as well as the Association of Commerce & Industry (ACI) – which serves as the state chamber of commerce – and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. ACI takes positions of importance to the statewide business community, while the U.S. Chamber addresses national business issues, and, often, the GLCCC takes similar positions. However, GLCCC positions must be specifically authorized by the Chamber Board of Directors. The U.S. Chamber’s Center for
Capital Markets Competitiveness (CCMC) works toward advancing America’s global leadership in capital formation by supporting capital markets that are fair, efficient and innovative.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce positions The U.S. Chamber is committed to pro-growth tax policies that preserve America’s global competitiveness, and it opposes tax increases that reduce businesses’
capital gains and dividends. t -JNJU UIF UBY SBUF BU XIJDI itemized deductions reduce tax ability to grow, invest and create liability. jobs. The Chamber believes that any tax reform should enable busi- t &YUFOEUIFFTUBUF HJGUBOEHFO eration-skipping transfer taxes nesses to compete globally, attract BU UIFJS MFWFMT JF foreign investment, increase capimillion exemption and top rate tal for investment and drive job of 45 percent). creation. t *O BEEJUJPO UP UBY JODSFBTFT on small business, the Obama The facts budget proposes almost another t 4NBMM CVTJOFTT PXOFST o JO half trillion over 10 years of new cluding taxpayers earning more taxes on American businesses. than $250,000 (married) and t ɩ JTJODMVEFTCJMMJPOPWFS $200,000 (single) – would see 10 years on American comtheir taxes increase by more panies operating globally by than $1 trillion over 10 years changing the deferral regime under President Obama’s FY12 and the foreign tax credit rules, budget proposal. The adminisboth of which currently keep tration’s plan would: American companies comt 3FJOTUBUFUIFBOEQFS petitive in the face of double cent individual income tax taxation. rates. t #VTJOFTTFT XPVME GBDF UBY JO t 3FJOTUBUF UIF QFSTPOBM FYFNQ creases from, for example, the tion phaseout and limitations repeal of the last-in, firstout on itemized deductions. (LIFO) accounting method t *NQPTF B QFSDFOU SBUF PO
and punitive taxes on the oil and gas and coal industries.
The U.S. Chamber’s pro-growth tax agenda t ɩ F $IBNCFS VSHFT $POHSFTT and the administration to enact a pro-growth tax agenda that brings rates in line with global competitors and makes compliance simpler. t 1FSNBOFOUMZ FYUFOE BMM PG UIF BOEUBYDVUT t &MJNJOBUF o PS TVCTUBOUJBMMZ reform – the alternative minimum tax (AMT) to protect a growing number of individuals and businesses, including many middle class Americans. t &OBDUDPNQSFIFOTJWFUBYSFGPSN that fosters job growth, competitiveness and innovation. t 3FEVDF UIF CVEHFU EFm cit through higher economic growth, spending restraint and entitlement reform – not higher taxes.
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce Watch List
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber actively follows all legislation at the local, state and federal level that can effect the businesses in the region. Many items on the watch list are still in the preliminary stages of development, but Chamber leadership works with staff and elected officials at all levels to ensure businesses and the community are protected from potentially harmful legislation.
Discussion Item
Status
Action
City of Las Cruces Dust Ordinance
Following
Awaiting final draft, expected before council within next 60 days
City of Las Cruces Vision 2040 Plan - Final
Following
Will continue to monitor next steps in plan implementation
City of Las Cruces One-Stop Permit Shop
Following
Continue to work on establishing follow-on committee
City of Las Cruces Night Sky Lighting Ordinance
Following
Reviewing alternatives and revisions to proposed ordinance
Federal Wilderness Designation for Organ and Potrillos Mountains
Taken position
Continue to review current status
City of Las Cruces Moongate Water
Following
Continue to review current status
City of Las Cruces Proposed Gas Rate Increases
Following
Continue to monitor gas rates proposed by rate payers group
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees
Following
Support implementation of numeric thresholds for implementation
City of Las Cruces Park Impact Fees
Following
Continue to monitor and evaluate
International Green Conservation Code
Following
Awaiting more information
State of New Mexico Spaceport Indemnification legislation
Defeated
Continue to support implementation
City of Las Cruces Security Alarm Ordinance
Taken position
Continue to support security companies’ revised ordinance
Doña Ana County Building Code Adoption
Following
Reviewing codes proposed for adoption by the County
What is the Watch List? The Chamber’s Issues & Government Affairs Committee is periodically tasked with evaluation of proposed or spending actions by the various sectors of government, including the federal, state, county and city governments, as well as private groups that recommend actions to government entities. 4 s December 2012 s THE BOTTOM LINE
These issues vary widely, and may include new or revised regulations, codes, ordinances and legislation that may have an impact, both positively and negatively, on the Las Cruces business community. These items are evaluated by the committee, and many times proponents and opponents to the various issues are asked to present their positions to the committee. On
items that include a near-term time element, the committee will make a recommendation to the Chamber board of directors on the research the committee has done, and a recommendation for the Chamber board to consider. On long-term items, these issues are placed on the Watch List to allow the committee to obtain further information or to
follow issues that can morph and change PWFS NBOZ NPOUIT 3FHBSEMFTT PG UIF UJNF element, however, the committee always looks at every issue through the eyes of our local business community and strives to provide information to the Chamber leadership that can then inform the various government entities of the impact on the businesses that are the lifeblood of our community.
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2012
Kosh Solutions
Providing great service at a great price 1021 E. AMADOR AVE., SUITE F t (575) 525-9144 t WWW.KOSHSOLUTIONS.COM When Koert Council and Josh Fristoe started Kosh Solutions in 2005, they were looking for the freedom to be their own bosses and enjoy the fruits of their labor. Along the way, they have created a dynamic one-stop shop for all of Las Cruces computer and network needs. “We started Kosh Solutions right when the economy started taking a downturn, and a lot of older clients said this is the worst time to start a business,” Council said, “but if you can make it through the recession, you’re obviously doing something right.” Shared technical backgrounds complimented by Council’s sales and customer service skills and Fristoe’s accounting and business management skills, the two owners found themselves perfectly poised
NOMINEES January Break an Egg
to go into business. Council and Fristoe have grown their business organically through word-of-mouth customer advertising and have expanded their Las Cruces office at 1021 Amador Ave. to 12 employees, as well as employing 14 more in the Albuquerque office and the newly opened Durango, Colo., office. Offering a full range of technical and management services, Kosh can take care of any computer and technical needs from one-time sales or repair work to ongoing voice-over IP, networking and technical management services. The staff is fully certified for Mac and PC computers along with Microsoft, Mac and Cisco software. “We want to provide the best solutions possible for our customers with the best products, without
going out of scope or getting too pricey,” Council said. Council said the management services were one of the most impressive offerings from Kosh, especially when customers take into account the unlimited support for no additional costs. “People often don’t want to call for help because they’re afraid they will be charged for the call, but we want to make our services more like a utility, with one monthly price,” he said. “We can do everything for a lot cheaper than a business hiring their own fulltime IT staff, and most times we can do a better job since we have more knowledge because we have so many employees.” The latest expansion for Kosh beyond the Durango location is their foray into large-scale cabling.
Kosh Solutions, located at 1021 E. Amador Ave., Suite F, was started in 2005 by Koert Coucil and Josh Fristoe.
While the company has always provided customer cabling for residential and local businesses, Council said the company recently acquired their contractor’s license and a staff journeyman that allows them to take on more projects,
such as the new Las Cruces SunNews building. Kosh Solutions also is now certified in a full range of hospitality and liquor point-of-sale software and has the staff capability to support those customers anywhere.
2012 Small Business of the Year Business name: ___________________________________________________
4. Professional development and advancement opportunities for employees
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Phone number: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Contact person in the business: ________________________________________
5. Demonstration of leadership in business community
May Gift Baskets by G
Nominator (no anonymous nominations will be accepted): ______________________
______________________________________________________________
Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria. Give specific examples for each.
______________________________________________________________
June Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wine
1. Contributions to community welfare
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
July Econo Pro Painters
______________________________________________________________
6. Support of the strategic vision of the Chamber
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Participation in community activities
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
February Wright Jewelers March Kelly Services April Zeffiro New York Pizzeria
August No recipient September COAS Books October Barb’s Flowerland November LifeSupport Medical December Kosh Solutions
3. Promotion of business progress in community ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later than Jan. 1, 2013, or by mail to P. O. Box 519, Las Cruces, NM 88004-0519, or by fax at 527-5546. *For additional space, attach to a separate sheet of paper.
THE BOTTOM LINE s December 2012 s 5
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2012
Arbors of Del Rey
Caring for southern New Mexico’s elders and their families 3731 DEL REY BLVD. t (575) 382-5200 t WWW.VISTALIVING.COM Cognitive decline can have a devastating effect on the elderly and family members who have to endure the effects alongside their loved ones. Many times, it can damage whole families, tearing them apart as they struggle to care for someone while maintaining their own jobs and personal responsibilities. That is why Arbors of Del Rey specializes in caring for those with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of cognitive decline. Their secure building and 24hour care provide the peaceful environment for elders suffering from those effects while the company strives to offer a place where families can comfortably visit their elders. Currently, Arbors of Del Rey is the only free-standing assisted living facility that specializes in dementia and cognitive decline in southern New Mexico. Its facility is
A resident helps prepare a salad for one of the facility’s socials.
limited to 24 beds, which provides a closeknit community where each elder can get the attention they need and deserve. “We have set up our facility in neighborhoods that mimic our elders’ own houses,” said Nicky Phillips, executive director for Arbors of Del Rey. “We encourage our elders to live through the house, not just in their rooms. “We have a home-like atmosphere so that our elders don’t feel like they’re in a health care facility, and we try to get our staff to live in our elders’ realities, and we hope this environment helps to slow the disease process.” While Arbors of Del Rey employs 14 caregivers along with a full-time activity director to keep the elders on side busy and happy, the stand-out care comes from the entire staff, from management to the maintenance staff. “We are very proud that we have a lot of longevity in our staff, which is rare in the health care industry and especially in caregivers,” Phillips said. “We have a core group that has been with us for five to 10 years, and that speaks to how we do things as a company and the care we provide for our elders.” Phillips, who previously served as the manager of the Alzheimer’s Association in Las Cruces, has worked with the disease for years, and she has seen what families go through to place their elders in a facility and to provide in-home care. “I hope my knowledge and experience can help the families on their journey with this disease,” she said. “It’s an honor that families have allowed me and my staff to care for their elders.” The facility doesn’t have set visiting hours, because family members are welcome at any time to come and visit their elders. Because Arbors of Del Rey serves the entire southern New Mexico region, this helps families that have to travel to Las Cruces to have flexibility in visiting their loved ones.
Elders are able to use Arbors of Del Rey’s secure backyard just as they would if they were living in their own home. The yard has a concrete wandering path with benches available to enjoy the outdoors.
Admissions Director Michael Manzanares husks corn with one of the residents. “We try to have a lot of activities with our families to ease the process for them,” Phillips said. To help ease that transition for any family, not just those doing business with them, Arbors of Del Rey offers a public support group for family members at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month. at their facil-
ity, even offering respite care for those who serve as caregivers themselves. For those not comfortable meeting at their facility, Public Relations Director Michael Manzanares also hosts an informal support group at noon every Thursday at the Sunset Grill at Sonoma Ranch Golf Course.
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6 s December 2012 s THE BOTTOM LINE
Chamber hosts Military Update Dec. 6 Brig. Gen. Gwen Bingham to speak on future of WSMR White Sands Missile Range held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. adds an economic impact of more Thursday, Dec. 6, at the New than $1.8 million each day to the Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Las Cruces community. Museum, 4100 Dripping Springs From employee salaries to Road. purchases from local businesses, The luncheon will feature a WSMR is intrinsically tied to the presentation from White Sands success of the Mesilla Valley, and Missile Range Commander Brig. it is quickly becoming the testGen. Gwen Bingham. She will ing hub for the Department of speak on the new developments at BINGHAM the installation, including Network Defense’s newest systems. The second annual Comcast Military Integrated Evaluation, a series of semiUpdate Luncheon presented by the Greater annual field exercises designed to evaluate Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce will be the Army’s network and field systems.
NOMINEES January Advanced Care Hospital of Southern New Mexico February Las Cruces Toyota March City of Las Cruces April Mesilla Valley Mall May Radio of Las Cruces June Dion’s July Bank of the West August Directory Plus September Pic Quik October El Paso Electric November Mesilla Valley Maze December Arbors of Del Rey
Bingham assumed command of White Sands Missile Range in September this year. Prior to this post, she served in a wide variety of leadership positions throughout her career, including service as quartermaster general for the Army and the commandant of the Army Quartermaster School at Fort Lee, Va. The Chamber’s Military Update Luncheon is the final event of the Membership Update Luncheon series, which has included presentations on health care, education, state government and commercial spaceflight. “The membership luncheons allow us to keep our membership informed about the
newest developments in the community that effect business owners and employees,” said Chamber President/CEO Bill Allen. The Military Update Luncheon is sponsored by Comcast, Pioneer Bank, FirstLight Federal Credit Union, Jacobs Technology, El Paso Electric Co., Millennium Health & Wellness and Las Cruces Bulletin. Other sponsorship opportunities are still available for the event. For more information on available sponsorships, contact Troy Tudor, Chamber vice president of development, at 524-1968 or
[email protected]. Tickets to the Military Update Luncheon are $20 for members or $40 for nonmembers. To register, contact the Chamber office at 524-1968 or
[email protected] or register online www.lascruces.org.
2012 Business of the Year Business name: ___________________________________________________
4. Professional development and advancement opportunities for employees
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Phone number: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Contact person in the business: ________________________________________
5. Demonstration of leadership in business community
Nominator (no anonymous nominations will be accepted): ______________________
______________________________________________________________
Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria. Give specific examples for each.
______________________________________________________________
1. Contributions to community welfare
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
6. Support of the strategic vision of the Chamber
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Participation in community activities
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
3. Promotion of business progress in community
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later than Jan. 1, 2013, or by mail to P. O. Box 519, Las Cruces, NM 88004-0519, or by fax at 527-5546.
______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
*For additional space, attach to a separate sheet of paper.
THE BOTTOM LINE s December 2012 s 7
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT GALLERIA OF BUSINESSES Brandy Darden of Century Bank, Mary Beth Reinhart and Chamber Billing & Database Assistant Cyndi Armijo check in guests for the Galleria of Businesses Thursday, Nov. 1, at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Jenny Britton of Advocare networks with Jean Briley of Mesilla Valley Hospice.
Conquistadore Don Buck catches up with Angela Tolliver of Protection 1.
Eldelisa Nava of LegalShield shares a laugh with Carlos Parra of Restaurants de Las Cruces.
8FHPU
1PTJUJWF &OFSHZ BOETBWFE POPVSUBYFT 8 s December 2012 s THE BOTTOM LINE
Karissa Doan of Pioneer Bank meets with Jason McWillie of Hard Hat Construction and Leslie Martinez of FirstLight Federal Credit Union.
Marina Atma of Doña Ana Community College Customized Training Program samples the drinks from David Hicks of the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Patrick O’Boyle and Racquel Enriquez of Jason’s Deli offer a sample to Lafe Gottschling of Bravo Mic Communications.
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CONQUISTADORE CORNER
Farewell for now
T
his is my last article for the Bottom Line as chair of the Conquistadores. It is always so surprising to me how quickly time passes. It has been a busy year with ribbon cuttings, chamber events, planning for Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe and recruiting new Conquistadores. At our Fall Quarterly, we inducted four more Conquistadores. Janet Acosta-Clifton of MountainView Regional Medical Center and John Dick-Peddie of First Savings Bank were assigned to the Green Team. Belinda Mills of the Las Cruces Sun-News and Georgia Lane, owner of Gift Baskets by G, were assigned to the Red
It has been an honor to serve as the Chair of the Council of Conquistadores for the year 2012. Team. Their commitment to the Conquistadores and the Chamber
is appreciated. The New Business Scholarsship Program is in place and will be offered in 2013. Troy Tudor, vice president of development of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, who authored this program, said, “This is an initiative which aims to encourage new businesses as a part of our community culture and increase instances of their success. The mission is to increase the success of the business community by addressing and nurturing local entrepreneurs and their new business in any industry sector.” This program will offer a Business Partner Membership to the selected applicant and will include assistance and guidance in utilizing resources offered by the Chamber. A few applicants will be
selected throughout the year based on certain criteria such as a business with four employees or less, in business for not more than two years, never been a member of the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce, provide a fully completed application, provide two letters of reference or recommendation, be located at a commercial address and participate in an interview if selected as a finalist. We are very excited to offer this program through the Conquistadores. Further details can be obtained by calling the Chamber at 524-1968. It has been an honor to serve as the Chair of the Council of Conquistadores for the year 2012. As with any new position, there is both the challenge and opportunity to learn and grow from the experience. I thank
SARAH STEGALL the Conquistadores for the trust and support they have provided throughout the year. Sarah Stegall Chair of the Council of Conquistadores 2012 Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
LAS CRUCES DAY IN SANTA FE
Registration open for LCDSF Jan. 26-28 Early-bird registration special through December 31 Registration is now open for the 2013 Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe that gives Las Crucens the opportunity to network and lobby as a community at the state capital. The event is scheduled for Saturday through Monday, Jan. 26-28, 2013. This year’s Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe (LCDSF) continues the Legislative Recognition Reception event added in 2011 as well as the traditional Legislative Breakfast and Bruncheon and the popular visit to the Governor’s Residence. The Legislative Recognition Reception will invite all of the Doña Ana County state legislators to meet and network with Mesilla Valley business leaders on the first evening of the event. The 2013 event will also feature the Las Cruces Expo in the Roundhouse. Booths for the LCDSF Expo are available for only $100. The host hotel for 2013 will be the Eldorado Hotel & Spa, 309 W. San Francisco St., in Santa Fe. Reservations can be made at Eldorado by calling 800-955-4455, and
registrants should be sure to mention the event by name to receive the group rate. The LCDSF rate will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Shuttle service will be provided to the Governor’s Residence Reception on Sunday. All other events will be held in the Eldorado. Registration for Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe is $125 per person, but registrations paid before Jan. 1, 2013, will receive a $15 early-bird discount. The fee includes admission to the Governor’s Residence Reception. No refunds or cancellations will be accepted after Jan. 11, 2013. Sponsors for the 2013 Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe include breakfast and brunch sponsor MountainView Regional Medical Center and the Governor’s Residence sponsors Comcast New Mexico State University. The Legislative Reception sponsors are the City of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County. The Hospitality Suite sponsor is Memorial Medical Center. Other sponsors include Las Cruces Public Schools, El Paso Electric Co.
,AS#RUCES$AYIN 3ANTA&E Saturday, Jan. 26 6 to 8 p.m. Legislative Recognition Reception in the Eldorado Court 7 to 10 p.m. Networking in the Eldorado Presidential Suite
and Las Cruces Bulletin. Other sponsorship opportunities are still available, and interested businesses should contact Kiel Hoffman at 532-7520 for more information. Items for the Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe goodie bags are being accepted at Pioneer Bank, 3831 E. Lohman Ave. The donor of the best prize will be awarded $100 in gift certificates. To register for Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe, call the Chamber office at 524-1968 or visit www.lcdsf.com.
Sunday, Jan. 27 Noon to 2 p.m. Legislative Brunch in Eldorado Sunset Room 4 to 6 p.m. Reception at the Governor’s Residence 7 to 10 p.m. Networking in the Eldorado Presidential Suite Monday, Jan. 28 7 to 9 a.m. Legislative Issues Breakfast in the Eldorado Court 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Expo at the Rotunda of the State Capitol 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lobbying at the Rotunda of the State Capitol
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THE BOTTOM LINE s December 2012 s 9
Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary 6890 %!',%2/!$s,!3#25#%3 .- 88012s3!.#45!290(/.%805-5338 840 %,0!3%/2/!$s,!3#25#%3 .- 88001s4(2)&434/2%0(/.%541-4942 7773!&%(!6%.!.)-!,3!.#45!29.%4 Mission: We strive to be a leader in the care and treatment of cats and dogs as companion animals. By example and through outreach efforts, we educate the public about how to properly care for their pets. We practice and advocate spaying and neutering to reduce pet over population. We envision a community in which all domestic animals are properly cared for in loving homes and where there are no more homeless pets. Purpose: We provide a safe and loving environment for pets whose owners are no longer able to care for them and for those pets abandoned and found as strays. Our goal is to find new homes for these pets. Those not re-homed will live out their lives at Safe Haven. Key goals: We plan to increase awareness of the Safe Haven organization and draw more prospective adopters of animals to the location at Eagle Road through increased appointments with the adoption counselors at the facility. By expanding overall capacity at the sanctuary, there will be a larger number of animals to select from and a greater chance for a higher rate of turnover in order to find more homes for more pets. We also plan to increase the number of foster homes, thereby providing a greater
./-).%%3
January Child Crisis Center of Southern NM February Community Foundation of Southern NM -ARCH Salvation Army April Doña Ana Arts Council -AY Asombro Institute for Science Education June Las Cruces Home Builders Association July DACC Customized Training and Workforce Development Program August Independent Electrical Contractors, Inc. September Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern NM /CTOBER Cowboys for Cancer Research Inc. .OVEMBER Mesilla Valley Hospice Inc. $ECEMBER Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary 10 s December 2012 s THE BOTTOM LINE
chance for those pets needing more attention and more focused interaction with their human families in order to make them more adoptable. A targeted volunteer campaign is aimed at increasing the base of volunteer help, which is the backbone of the organization. Volunteers are needed in many areas, both at the sanctuary and at the store. Sales at the Thrift Store provide the greater part of the monthly operating budget for the sanctuary. History: Juanita Fisher brought Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary into being in 1996. She had been a visitor and volunteer at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, and wanted the same type of organization for Doña Ana County.
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT
needed to run the sanctuary. The whole purpose and focus of Safe Haven has always been and always will be the animals. It is estimated that more than 5,000 pets have been rescued and placed 3AFE(AVEN !NIMAL3ANCTUARY in adoptive homes. Since all have been ISANO KILLANIMAL spayed or neutered, that equals several SHELTERLOCATED thousand animals no longer wandering the ONACRES streets of our community. IN$O×A!NA Safe Haven exists because of the #OUNTY3INCE generosity of our many benefactors who ITSINCEPTIONIN MORETHAN donate items and money. Without a PETSHAVE team of volunteers, SHAS would never have been able to take in and care for the BEENPLACEDIN ADOPTIVEHOMES animals as it has done to this day.
Without funding and with no permanent location, Fisher set about to rescue as many cats and dogs as possible on her own. Some of Fisher’s friends had been housing the rescued animals on their property, and finally SHAS purchased 2.7 acres from them and decided to make this their permanent home. Shortly thereafter, Fisher decided to move to Texas, and a board of directors was selected to operate SHAS as a 501c(3) nonprofit corporation. The major source of funding was the generous donations and bequests from Safe Haven supporters. The SHAS Thrift Store was established to help pay operating expenses. In 2010, the store evolved into a boutique thrift store in a new location at 840 El Paseo Road. This store provides 70 percent of the funds
Key people to know: t &YFDVUJWF%JSFDUPS-PSOB)BSSJT t 4BODUVBSZ.BOBHFS+FĊ#BSLFS t ɩ SJGU4UPSF.BOBHFS*TNBFM-VKBO Events and activities: Offsite adoptions take place the first three Saturdays of each month at 1FU4NBSU &-PINBO"WF We have an information and donation CPPUIBUUIF8BM.BSUPO7BMMFZ%SJWFPO the fourth Saturday of each month and at other locations as they become available. Future plans: We plan to increase the number of foster homes, thereby providing a greater chance for those pets needing more attention and more focused interaction with their human families in order to make them more adoptable.
2012 Nonprofit of the Year Nonprofit name: ____________________________________________
3. Development and training of volunteers ___________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Phone number: _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Contact person in organization:___________________________________
4. Years of service to the community _______________________________
Nominator: (no anonymous recommendations will be accepted)
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria.
________________________________________________________
Give specific examples of each.
5. Cooperation with other organizations ____________________________
1. Diversity and depth of services offered
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________ 2. Impact and contributions to the community _________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later than Jan. 1, 2013, or by mail to P. O. Box 519, Las Cruces, NM 88004-0519, or by fax at 527-5546. *For additional space, attach to a separate sheet of paper.
The battle of Doña Ana County Land use planning is in federal hands By Stephen L. Wilmeth There is a broken record being played from Doña Ana County. The tune is not catchy. It is monotonous and it lacks any harmony. Round six of the Organ Mountain Wilderness campaign is being played out, and the goal is designated wilderness in any shape or form. This is the most dangerous of all proposals and it is going to the president. The Antiquities Act is the angle and New Mexico’s Centennial Celebration is the excuse.
The acts The first hint the Organ Mountains was slated for wilderness was the assessment required by the Federal Lands Policy and Management Act. In 1991, Interior Secretary Manuel Lujan signed the Decision of Record and sent the matter to the president. Some 30,000 acres of the Organs were deemed to have wilderness characteristics by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Neither President George H.W. Bush nor any of his successors acted on the report. Before the turn of the century, New Mexico Congressman Joe Skeen suggested a National Conservation Area (NCA) for the Organs. His 58,000-acre idea went nowhere. Round two began when the New Mexico Wilderness Alliance (NMWA) inventoried lands in 2003 for its own version of wilderness. Notwithstanding BLM’s analysis, NMWA found 393,362 acres that met its standards. An effort was then made to get New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici to carry a bill to protect 217,500 acres. The proposal failed when he realized there wasn’t adequate local support. Domenici backed away and left a lingering void. In 2006, NMWA started round three with a suggestion for 325,407 acres of wilderness. That idea went nowhere until Domenici retired in 2008 and the torch was passed to Sen. Jeff Bingaman. In 2009, Bingaman, along with the New Mexico’s new junior senator, Tom Udall, introduced S.B.1689 with 259,050 acres of wilderness and NCA buffers. The expectation was high. The Democrats controlled the White House, the Senate, the House, every natural resource committee, the governorship of New Mexico and every governing body in Doña Ana County. The bill failed to get traction and died at the end of the 2010 session. In 2011, the senators were back. They
started round five of the process with their S.B. 1024 that now encompassed nearly 400,000 acres. The Organ Mountains-Doña Ana County Conservation and Protection Act had more than 241,000 acres of designated wilderness without a hint of that designation in its title. By the end of that year, there was indication that bill was also going nowhere. Following the anti-Democratic backlash of the midterms of 2010, the House was no longer a favorable path to wilderness. New Mexico Republican Rep. Steve Pearce was back in office and sought to blaze his own path for protective measures in the Organs. He introduced HM.4334, the Organ Mountain National Monument Establishment Act. It followed Skeen’s idea that called for 58,012 acres with protection for local customs and culture. The greens hated it. Round six was revealed in March when the Las Cruces Sun-News announced the county was going to be home of America’s next major national monument. The Organ Mountains was the story line until a bit of simple math indicated they would only be 10 percent of the proposal. The new national monument was going to be 600,000 acres. The plan is a Bingaman-Udall bill on steroids. It took the boundaries of all plans and expanded them. What became most explosive, though, was that the plan was not going through congressional channels. The plan was going directly to President Obama under his authority of Executive Order.
The front story The Doña Ana saga has become another federal lands debate with the proponents shaping the battlefield to focus on the ranching community. Their tactic has been one of patronizing support, but as soon as the debate becomes negative, the tune of “Cattle Free” by ’93 or ’03 eerily reemerges. The green bias in the local papers has continued to explore that tired approach, but the community isn’t buying it. The issue of watershed management advanced by the local soil and water conservation districts and the Elephant Butte Irrigation District is an example. The county population is concentrated along the narrow Rio Grande Valley. Because residential growth has been forced into that narrow corridor, the losses of farmland and flood control are huge issues. Reclamation dams built more than 50 years ago now provide the primary protection for housing developments because growth has been disallowed onto less productive federal
The Organ Mountain Wildnerness campaign has been in federal hands since 1991.
land not impacted by the flood plain. That problem is made infinitely worse when the Bingaman-Udall bill allows only 300 to 1,000 feet buffers into those surrounding federal lands. Flood control management will be worst case because options will be limited to large scale projects within the buffer zones rather than lesser cost, upslope alternatives. Public scoping was nonexistent. A short list of scoping oversight impacted by the national monument footprint would include the domestic water supply to the village of Hatch, a major FAA radar site, a major microwave sight, more than 60 parcels of private land, nearly 70 percent of the cattle in the county, more than 80 sections of state trust land, and the headquarters of the largest ranch in the county, the Corralitos. It is a property rights debacle. What is more frightening comes from proponents’ publicized management plan recommendations. Among the most offensive is the intent to acquire all private and state lands, the intent to disallow any new leases, and the ordering of BLM to conduct yet another inventory to identify lands with wilderness characteristics. Their recommendation then demands to “manage those lands to protect those values.” That is an overt end run to de facto wilderness without Congressional action. Border security is another continuing nightmare. The only thing that has kept the smuggling corridors in Doña Ana County from being full blown Arizona Class companion routes are the absence of cartel safe havens on the American side of the border. Designated wilderness and national monument will assure those save havens for the bad guys.
The back story A most critical story isn’t being told. What the public sees is another classic federal lands conflict. It has a national security component with an inevitable run back to another public lands rancher debate. A rewilding component could be added for zest, but that still leaves the question why and how this county’s most influential governing bodies could support such anti-agricultural proposals when agriculture in the county returns more than $500 million annually. Standing against the proposals are some
powerful forces. The New Mexico Farm Bureau, the Doña Ana County sheriff, the village of Hatch, the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce and more than 800 businesses have opposed all proposals. Their stance has meant nothing. Ignoring the will of the majority of residents who have duties, responsibilities, and investments on the land affected, the Doña Ana County Commission and the Las Cruces City Council voted a combined 11-0 to pass resolutions supporting the 600,000 acre national monument. The commission then sent a member to Washington to present their resolution to the president with the assurance the county is fully united in support of the national monument. That commission’s representative, Billy Garrett, is a retired Department of Interior official. He was a Park Service planner, and he knows about the process including contacts for national monument designation. City Councillor Nathan Small works for NMWA, the group that has repeatedly pushed the proposals. He has been assigned to the project since the beginning of the process. Both of these elected officials share a relationship to a man who has engineered an amazing series of campaign victories. Don Kurtz, a progressive campaign strategist and organizer, has successfully managed an estimated 50 of 52 Doña Ana County campaigns in the last several years. He has demonstrated he will run a progressive candidate against an incumbent Democrat in a primary if the dynamics support a positive progressive outcome. Although some such as Democratic City Councillors Greg Smith and Miguel Silva reject the notion, many believe Kurtz controls each of votes in the recent 11-0 juggernaut. That is the troubling back story. How many of these organizers exist, and how do they operate without obvious support? The Doña Ana County outcome is critical to local customs and cultures, but more is at stake. Many believe the persistence of this effort has more to do with future land use modeling than the landscape itself. That is the real story, and it must be stopped. Stephen L. Wilmeth is a rancher from southern New Mexico. This article was originally published in the Fall 2012 edition of Range Magazine and is printed here with permission.
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THE BOTTOM LINE s December 2012 s 11
RIBBON CUTTINGS
METRO VERDE SOUTH – October 27 – Steinborn & Associates Real Estate Owner/Broker John Hummer cuts the ribbon while Emmanuel Dominguez of NetSolar Construction, Jason Lorenz of Veloz Homes and Michelle Martin of Steinborn & Associates Real Estate/Enchanted Desert Homes hold the proclamations. BOWLIN TRAVEL CENTERS – November 7, 3415 S. Harrelson St. – Assistant General Manager Tom Osburn looks on while General Manager Alfred Villegas cuts the ribbon and Office Manager Sherry Wright and Direct Ship Manager Julie Story hold the proclamation.
COUNSELING LAS CRUCES – October 31, 737 S. Campo St. – Licensed Medical Health Counselor Andrea Dresser cuts the ribbon while her mother Norine Dresser holds the proclamation. MUSEUM OF NATURE & SCIENCE – November 2, 411 N. Main St. – State Sen. Mary Kay Papen cuts the ribbon while Museum Manager Mike Walczak, Education Curator Kimberly Hanson and Administrative Assistant Leticia Soto hold the proclamations.
BEASLEY, MITCHELL CO. – November 15, 509 S. Main St. – CPA/Partner Don Beasley and CPA/Partner Christine Wright cut the ribbon while CPA/Partner Brad Beasley and CPA/Partner Beth Fant hold the proclamations.
POSITIVE ENERGY SOLAR – October 26, 510 S. Main St. – Field Manager Conor Black, Solar Advisor Paul Heiberger and CEO Regina Wheeler hold the proclamations while founder and CTO Allan Sindelar and Branch Manager Mark Westbrock cut the ribbons.
SOUTHWEST HAZARD CONTROL – November 1, 250 N. 17th St. Suite B – CEO Chrisann Karches cuts the ribbon while New Mexico Division Manager Richard Serna holds the proclamation.
MAIN STREET DOWNTOWN – November 17 – Mayor Ken Miyagishima cuts the ribbon while City Councillor Miguel Silva holds the proclamation.
CITY OF LAS CRUCES PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING FACILITY – November 11, 9201 Zia Blvd. – City Councillor Nathan Small holds the proclamation while City Manager Robert Garza cuts the ribbon.
SOROPTOMIST INTERNATIONAL OF LAS CRUCES – November 14 – Charter member Karen Pogue holds the proclamation while First Vice President Joan Dormody cuts the ribbon.
Everything you want to know about Las Cruces Featuring 260 pages of: s(OMES$ESERT,IVING s!RTS%NTERTAINMENT s"USINESS s#ULTURE(ERITAGE s#ENTENNIAL3POTLIGHTS
.OW!VAILABLE 12 s December 2012 s THE BOTTOM LINE
s,OCAL,EGENDSPEOPLE TOKNOW s-APSANDUSEFULCONTACT INFORMATION s-UCH MUCHMORE
.4ELSHOR"LVD3UITE% ,AS#RUCES .-
New Members Charles-Fleming Construction Inc. Wendy Charles 649-7665
Mr. Hats Juan Balderrama 650-3825
Sacred Power Corp. Odes Caster 505-242-2292
Savoy de Mesilla Eileen Flint 527-2869
Renewing Members American Document Services Rick Jackson
Exit Realty Horizons Divelia Babbey
Ben Archer Health Center Mary Rooker
First Savings Bank John Dick-Peddie
Big Red Chef LLC - Personal Chef Lynn Linde
Flair Homes Inc. David Blackmon
Bug Guy Pest Control Jeff Murray
Flowerama David Watson
Coordinated Home Health Care Scott Wells
Green Lizard Paul Korody
Cunningham Services LLC Lee Cunningham
Hilton Garden Inn Heidi Poole
DACC Career Services Rosa De La Torre-Burmeister
Junior Achievement of New Mexico Krista Martinez
DACC Customized Training Program Dr. Bill Glenn
Los Compas Cafe Margarita Gutierrez
Las Cruces
Quick Facts
LABOR MARKETS
Massage Envy Rod Reyes Outback Steakhouse Dustin York Pat Campbell Insurance LLC Kerry Hixon R-Con Construction Inc. Ric & Renee Araiza Science Technology Paul Deason SCORE Las Cruces Chapter 397 Bill Grigaliunas Telstar Networks Jodie York
HOUSING PRICE INDEX
Employment
Oct.-12
Oct.-11
% change
Las Cruces
86,066
87,003
-1.1%
Statewide
876,989
865,073
1.4%
U.S. (in thousands)
144,039
140,987
2.2%
Unemployment Rate
Oct.-12
Oct.-11
Difference
Las Cruces
6.2%
6.8%
-0.6%
Statewide
6%
7%
-1%
(All Sources)
U.S. data
7.5%
8.5%
-1%
Permits Valuation
Source: New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions
2nd Quarter 2012 161.13 281.55 311.82
Las Cruces New Mexico United States
2nd Quarter 2011 166.15 288.31 313.76
% change
Jan.-Oct. 12
Jan.-Oct. 11
% change
2,185 $147,246,121
2,109 $125,478,750
3.6% 17.3%
-3% -2.3% -0.6%
Source: Federal Housing Finance Agency
BUILDING PERMITS Las Cruces Area
Source: City of Las Cruces
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$VTUPNJ[FE5SBJOJOHTUBGG-UP3.BSJOB"UNB 1)3 -FBE*OTUSVDUPS +FOOJGFS8JDLFS &EVDBUJPO1SPHSBN'BDJMJUBUPS .FH)BJOFT 1)3 $11 %JSFDUPS 'FMJDJB$BTUJMMP "ENJOJTUSBUJWF"TTJTUBOU "VESFZ$PMMJOT.FMF 1SPHSBN$PPSEJOBUPS
THE BOTTOM LINE s December 2012 s 13
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEDULE
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
DECEMBER 2012 Sunday
Monday
2
Tuesday
Wednesday
3
4
Thursday
5
Administrative Assistant Friday
Saturday
1
11:30 a.m. Military Update Luncheon, New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum 4 p.m. Ribbon Cutting, Sacred Power Corp. 5:30 p.m. Business After Hours, Millennium Health & Wellness/ Club Fitness
6
7
8
11:30 a.m. Small Business Workshop, Las Cruces Convention Center
First Day of Hanukkah
Apply for an Administrative Assistant position with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce. Applicants should be able to provide professional and friendly customer service, be articulate on the telephone and be knowledgeable in Microsoft Office, Quicken and QuickBooks. Send a résumé or contact Liz Banegas at 524-1968 or
[email protected] for further details.
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.
3:30 p.m. Ribbon Cutting, Savoy de Mesilla
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
FULFILLING THE COMMUNITY NEED
Winter Begins
16
17
18
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
Chamber Office closed all day
Chamber Office closed all day
23
24
19
20
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.
11,391 104 117
people have visited the Chamber’s website.
25
26
27
28
people have inquired about individual relocation.
29
New Year’s Eve
referrals have been issued for members. Chamber Office closed all day
COMMITTEE MEETINGS 30
31
OPEN TO PUBLIC
PRIVATE EVENT
OPEN TO MEMBERS
Looking ahead
Saturday, Jan. 26-Monday, Jan. 28, 2013 Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe Eldorado Hotel & Spa
Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013 Literacy Conference Gym Magic
Friday, Feb. 1, 2013 Annual Banquet Las Cruces Convention Center
4 p.m....................Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe Committee 4 p.m.......................Conquistadore Executive Committee 4 p.m. ..............Issues & Governmental Affairs Committee 7:30 a.m. ..........Military Affairs Committee, MV Hospice 9 a.m. .............................. Commercial Space Committee 11 a.m. .................................Events & Benefits Committee Dec. 10 Noon............................... Member Retention Committee Dec. 11 4 p.m.............................. Finance & Executive Committee Dec. 18 4 p.m................................................. Board of Directors Dec. 19 7:30 a.m. ..........Education Committee, Housing Authority 11 a.m. ......................................... Small Business Council 4 p.m..................Marketing & Public Relations Committee
Dec. 3 Dec. 5 Dec. 6 Dec. 7 Dec. 13
*All above meetings are held in the Chamber boardroom unless specified otherwise.
Business Banking Made 5 LOCATIONS IN LAS CRUCES 14 s December 2012 s THE BOTTOM LINE
Easy! WWW.CITIZENSLC.COM -AINLOCATION 3-AIN3Ts,AS#RUCES .-s ,/""9 -ONDAY &RIDAY $2)6% 50 -ONDAY &RIDAYs 3ATURDAY
CHAMBER MEMBER BRIEFS Barela to speak at December luncheon New Mexico Economic Development Secretary Jon Barela will be the featured speaker at the December MVEDA Business in the Borderplex Luncheon. The luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 4, at the Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, 705 S. Telshor Blvd. Barela will present the New Century Jobs Agenda, a legislative plan to invest in small businesses and job creators, workers, infrastructure and rural communities to make the state more competitive and attract private investment. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin with a hot entrée buffet. The cost is $20 per person, payable by cash, check or major credit card. Due to space limitations, reservations are required. Email
[email protected] or call the MVEDA office at 525-2852 by Friday, Nov. 30.
Export seminar set The Las Cruces Small Business Development Center and the International Business Accelerator will present “Exploring Your Market in Mexico” from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at the Doña Ana Community College Branch, 2345 E. Nevada Ave., Suite 101.
Speakers will include SBDC Director Fred Owensby, Gateway to Exporting trade specialist Magaly Sanchez and trade specialist Adriana Castillo. Robert Queen, director of El Paso/ southern New Mexico U.S. Export Assistance Center, will give an overview of the International Trade Administration’s programs. The seminar also will feature a Mexico 2012 economic overview at 3 p.m. with Jerry Pacheco, director of International Business Accelerator, and an overview of Mexico’s Maquiladora industry and supplier opportunities with Julio Jimenez, Gateway to Exporting trade specialist. There is no charge for attending, but seating is limited. For more information, call 589-2200 or email
[email protected].
Hispano Chamber announces new board members The Hispano Chamber of Commerce de Las Cruces has announced its new slate of officers for 2013: Kirk Clifton, board of directors president; Georgia Lane, vice president; Richard Aguilar, treasurer; and Antoinette Fuentes-Knapp, secretary. Jeff rey Silva will continue serving on the board as ex officio in an advisory role. John
Muñoz will also continue on the board in an advisory role. Clifton currently serves as vice president and as the chair of the government affairs committee. He is a native of Las Cruces, having graduated from New Mexico State University. Clifton is employed by El Paso Electric Co., Land Acquisitions, and also serves Gov. Susana Martinez on two stateappointed boards. “I am honored to not only serve the (chamber) board and community in this capacity, but to also serve as an advocate for all businesses throughout the region,” he said. “We will work hard to provide our members with exceptional benefits while advocating for legislation that promotes economic development, business and job growth and a conducive environment for businesses to operate and grow.” Lane currently serves on the board as the education chair and membership co-chair.
Las Cruces Accounting Firm Celebrates 25 Years Beasley, Mitchell & Co. LLP, a Las Cruces-owned and operated public accounting firm, is celebrating 25 years of providing service to individuals and businesses throughout the Las Cruces community and surrounding area. Beasley, Mitchell & Co. has established itself as an important community partner and a trusted provider of
accounting services and financial advice. First established in 1987 by founding partners Don Beasley and Paul Mitchell, the firm has expanded over the years to provide a greater range of services and capabilities to their clients. Beasley, Mitchell & Co. has grown to currently employ more than 30 people. “We are proud of our company’s growth and the firm’s reputation,” said Partner Don Beasley, CPA. “Our firm takes a proactive approach to accounting and financial advice, and we bring value and professionalism to each and every one of our clients.” Managing Partner Beth Fant, EA, said part of the firm’s longevity and success is due to a strong commitment to the community. “Our employees and partners are very involved, volunteering with many community nonprofit advisory boards and community projects,” Fant said. To illustrate the point, Beasley, Mitchell & Co. made a commitment to donate $25,000 to area charities in the past year, commemorating the quarter-century of service in the community. Monthly donations started in November 2011, and concluded in November 2012 with a $5,000 donation to the New Mexico State University Accounting Department. Located at 509 S. Main St., Suite A, Beasley, Mitchell & Co. will continue to provide a growing range of services to its clients.
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