PDF - the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce

bottom line
the
GREATER LAS CR UCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • MAY 2 0 1 3 • WWW.LASCR UCES.ORG
Medical Update
Luncheon
Thursday, June 20
Las Cruces Convention Center
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President and Chair Columns...............2
Business of the Month ........................3
Governmental Affairs Issues .................4
Small Business of the Month ................5
Military column ..................................6
WSMR Golf Tournament ...................7
Agriculture column .............................8
Nonprofit of the Month ......................9
Small business scholarship ....................9
Nonprofit of the Month .....................10
Business After Hours .........................10
Ribbon Cuttings ................................12
New and Renewing Members ............13
Calendar and Statistics .......................14
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
ttudor@lascruces.org.
GREATER LAS CR UCES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
505 S. MAIN ST.,
SUITE 134
LAS CRUCES, NM 88001
575-524-1968
WWW.LASCRUCES.ORG
Spaceport America at forefront of
competitive and growing industry
Community waiting
for economic boom
On Thursday, April 18, the Greater
Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Commercial Space Update
Luncheon.
Guest speakers Christine Anderson,
executive director of the New Mexico
Spaceport Authority (NMSA), and Mark
Butler, senior program manager at Virgin
Galactic, discussed the impact Spaceport
America will have on job growth and economic development in the community and
southern New Mexico.
Butler said the Expanded Space Flight
Informed Consent Act ensures New Mexico
will remain at the forefront of the nationally
and internationally competitive commercial
space industry.
On April 2, Gov. Susana Martinez
signed the act to expand existing liability
protections to spaceflight manufacturers and
suppliers.
“We now have an even stronger opportunity to grow the number of commercial
space jobs at the spaceport and across our
state,” Martinez said.
To date, 1,100 New Mexico construction
jobs have been created and the creation of
an additional 2,000 jobs is projected by 2016.
The goal is for Spaceport America to
become self-supporting via revenue from
launches, tenant rent and tourism. The spaceport is now generating consistent revenue for
the state, following the Jan. 15 commencement of Virgin Galactic’s rental payments on
its lease of the main terminal hangar facility.
According to a calculation based upon information from the spaceport, Virgin Galactic’s
rent is approximately $86,000 per month.
NMSA recently released a request for
proposals (RFP) for visitor experience
facilities development. Proposals are due no
later than 2 p.m. Friday, May 17. The RFP
is available on Spaceport America’s website
www.spaceportamerica.com.
Upon completion of the visitor experience
facilities, Anderson said she anticipates a
tourism boom in the county. Butler said
Virgin Galactic’s local Sales & Tourism
Team is currently coordinating hotel and
tourism initiatives. To date, Virgin Galactic
has received flight deposits from 575
Mark Butler, senior program manager at Virgin Galactic, discussed the impact Spaceport America will
have on job growth and economic development in the community and southern New Mexico during the
Spaceport Update Luncheon Thursday, April 18.
individuals, representing more people than
have ever been to space in human history.
Located 55 miles north of Las Cruces in
southern Sierra County, the spaceport has
the potential to be a major economic driver in
the region. Doña Ana County officials have
said that building a paved southern road is
crucial for Las Cruces to economically benefit. Currently, the only paved access to the
spaceport is from Truth or Consequences.
The southern road will be an important asset
for bringing visitors from the south to the
spaceport, which NMSA estimates will attract 200,000 visitors per year.
NMSA agreed to fund construction of the
23.7-mile southern road and related National
Environmental Policy Act compliance, with
Doña Ana County providing in-kind engineering services. However, due to greater fidelity and an increased cost of materials, cost
estimates are now higher than anticipated in
2010. In December 2012, NMSA sought and
was granted an additional $3 million in road
funds. Anderson said the additional funds
will pay for roadside fencing and archeological mitigation.
The chamber’s Commercial Space
Committee, in collaboration with Mesilla
Valley Economic Development Alliance
(MVEDA), has similarly focused on economic development, tourism and the southern road, and is now turning attention to the
International Traffic in Arms Regulations
(ITAR), that are predicted to soon present
obstacles.
ITAR falls under the Arms Export
Control Act (AECA), in part shaped by
fears that technology created for the benign
use of transportation could be used for terrorism. The regulations impact commercial
spaceport operations, including the spaceport’s supply chain, and smaller businesses
seeking to interact with Spaceport America.
The chamber, MVEDA and the State of
New Mexico have now turned their attention to the future and recruitment of additional companies to the spaceport to fulfill its
full economic potential.
Board
Members
Chair of the Board Leslie Cervantes
Las Cruces Public Schools
Chair Elect Mike Beckett
COAS Books
Past Chair Richard Haas
Steve Newby Architects & Associates
Treasurer Brandy Darden
Century Bank
Secretary Terra Van Winter
New Mexico State University
At-Large Member Kelly Duke
MountainView Regional
Medical Center
Member Events Janet Green
& Services New Mexico State University
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 Marci Dickerson
Dickerson’s Catering
Rico Gonzales
El Paso Electric
Kiel Hoffman
Pioneer Bank
Margie Huerta
Doña Ana Community College
Jaki McCollum
FIG Publications
Phillip Rivera
Memorial Medical Center
Matt Rush
New Mexico Farm & Livestock
Bureau
Council of Stacie Allen
Conquistadores The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
Legal Counsel John Darden
Darden Law Firm
Advisers Miguel Silva
Las Cruces City Council
Karen Perez
Doña Ana County Commission
Davin Lopez
Mesilla Valley Economic
Development Alliance
Take the lead Paying it forward
A
t last month’s
Business
After Hours,
I had the wonderful opportunity to
speak with a number
of young people
who have joined
our community and
the Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of
Commerce as small
business owners and
middle managers.
It was
refreshing to see
and feel their
LESLIE CERVANTES
enthusiastic
energy fill the
room as they were introduced to other members of
the chamber. Remember with me that feeling of
starting your career or small business. Each of us
can name a special person who mentored us and
let us ask questions without judgment. What an
awesome responsibility to share our experiences and
knowledge,which are the tools needed for others to
pursue their professional goals.
So, at the Business After Hours, I asked our more
“seasoned” managers and business owners to mentor
our new generation of business leaders.
One of my favorite artists is Josh Groban, and he
is quoted as saying, “No matter what your age and no
matter where you come from, everyone can change
the world in some way, whether it’s being a mentor to
someone younger than you or someone that doesn’t
have as much experience as you. If you’re passionate
enough you can do whatever you want and definitely
change the world.”
The spring is a great time to reflect on how we can
serve others in a leadership role – after all, our time
is one of the greatest gifts we can give to another
person.
Leslie Cervantes
Chair of the Board
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Monte Marlin
White Sands Missile Range
Stan Rounds
Las Cruces Public Schools
Chamber
Staff
Bill Allen
President/CEO
Troy Tudor
Vice President of Development
Liz Banegas
Office Manager
Cyndi Armijo
Billing & Database Assistant
Jeanette Ambriz
Administrative Assistant
Alissa Levey
Communications Coordinator
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
PUBLISHERS EMERITI
Jaki McCollum
David E. McCollum
EDITOR
Rachel Christiansen
L
eslie’s column ends by saying that
spring is a great time to reflect on how
we can serve others in a leadership
role, and that our time being one of the greatest gifts we can give to another person. That is
the perfect beginning for my column.
This spring marks a couple of firsts –
one being the first month for this year’s
Leadership Las Cruces class. That first
happens every year.
A group of 28 people come together for
the purpose of becoming better leaders and
learning more about our community – and
they leave the program with more than that.
They leave with 27 new friends.
Since it hasn’t been long since I was part
BILL ALLEN
of that program, I know what the 2013 class
is going through. They wouldn’t be part of the
program if they didn’t think that professional development was important.
Next, they want to make sure that when it’s their day to organize, their
classmates find it beneficial. One of the hardest days in Leadership Las Cruces
is first day. The group responsible for planning the day has nothing to use for
comparison and, in essence, is flying blind.
This year’s first group did a fantastic job with the topic of economic
development – a difficult subject to tackle.
Another first is the first-ever Junior Leadership Las Cruces Graduation
Dinner. This year, we have 21 high school juniors taking part in the graduation
ceremony. After reviewing the program surveys the kids completed, it looks like
our maiden voyage was a success.
Still, we will evolve and use those comments to make next year’s program
even better. In 10 years, it would be great if we have one of our first Junior
Leadership graduates trying to figure out the first month for the 2023
Leadership Las Cruces class.
The other real gift here is the support from the committee members who
help make these two leadership programs happen. Remember, both programs
require that at least five volunteers take one day a month out of their work
schedules to direct, assist and chaperone to ensure participant experiences are
positive. Every one of these volunteers is a Leadership Las Cruces alum. They
have truly taken their experience to heart and are paying it forward.
Bill Allen
President/CEO
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
DESIGN
Rachel Courtney, manager
Theresa Montoya Basaldua,
art director
Ramon Gonzalez
Jessica Grady
Steven Parra
Rafael Torres
CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen L. Wilmeth
ADVERTISING
Claire Frohs
Shellie McNabb
Jorge Lopez
Pam Rossi
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
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 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
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BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - MAY 2013
FirstLight Federal Credit Union
More than just numbers
3791 E. LOHMAN AVE.; 300 E. FOSTER ROAD; 3105 DEL REY BLVD. • 526-4401 • WWW.FIRSTLIGHTFCU.ORG
By Rachel Christiansen
If you didn’t go to school for accounting,
the banking world can seem like a mythical
place filled with scary numbers and
acronyms.
That’s why the folks at FirstLight Federal
Credit Union want to make it clear they are
not a typical bank – actually, they’re not a
bank at all.
Instead of having customers, a credit
union has members, and each of FirstLight’s
112,000 members in the Las Cruces and El
Paso areas are part owners in the company.
Accolades:
• Army Credit Union of the Year
(Department of the Army and
DCUC – Defense Credit Union
Council)
• AUSA Outstanding Corporate
Member of the Year (Association of
the United States Army)
• Silver Level LEED Certification from
the United States Green Building
Council - FirstLight’s East Fort Bliss
Branch and the USO Center were
the first commercial facility on Fort
Bliss to receive such a distinguished
certification
• Viva Award for vision, innovation
and community leadership from
the Association of Commerce and
Industry from the State of New
Mexico
• ACI- Credit Union of the Year
• Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce Business of the Month
and 2008 Business of the Year
• Las Cruces Sun-News Readers
Choice Awards “Best Credit Union”
eight years in a row.
“We don’t sell stock and our board of
directors are not paid, rather they are volunteers,” said community marketing representative Savonne Griffin. “Because our financial institution is member owned, we can
offer lower interest rates on loans and high
interest rates for return on investments.”
Griffin said members are given the opportunity to interact with the board of
directors and management staff through
annual events where the two groups are
brought together.
“Many of their suggestions at these
meetings are implemented into our products
and services that you see today,” she said.
Probably one of the most important
decisions adults have to make in their lives
is figuring out how to handle their hardearned money.
It can impact things on a short- and
long-term basis, and that fact alone can be
intimidating – not to mention everything
else that goes into financial planning. If you
are still lost on how to handle your finances, FirstLight has begun to offer monthly
Financial Literacy classes in the community.
The goal of this class, Griffin said, is
to provide people with budgeting tools,
insight on how to get a mortgage loan in the
future and help with credit scores in terms
of establishing, raising, maintaining and
correcting.
“When someone joins FirstLight, not
only do they become a member, they enter
a partnership where the ultimate goal is
achieving financial success,” said CEO Karl
Murphy. “We strive to offer our members
great products and services that will help
them make their financial dreams a reality.”
The history of FirstLight is rooted in
helping civilians and military personnel
with their financial needs.
“In 1955, nine individuals came up with
a plan to help military and civilian personnel on Biggs Air Force Base to have more
The FirstLight Federal Credit on Lohman Avenue opened May 2, 2007. There are nine branches in the
Las Cruces and El Paso areas.
access to credit and other financial services,”
Griffin said. “Over the years our name has
changed, however we have remained the
same financial institution.”
FirstLight currently operates nine
branches; three in Las Cruces, three on Fort
Bliss and three serving El Paso County.
To maintain the strong support for the
troops, Griffin said upon the opening of the
East Fort Bliss branch in 2010, FirstLight
donated part of the branch building to the
USO, for soldiers to have a safe place to visit
during the day – making it one of the largest
in the county.
“We also offer a program for our members who serve in the military and have
little or no credit to get a car loan,” Griffin
said.
Employing a total of 350 people within the walls of FirstLight’s nine branches,
Griffin said they are all equally as passionate
about community involvement and troop
support.
Many of FirstLight’s employees can
be seen at key annual community events
in both Las Cruces and El Paso, such as
the Bataan Memorial Death March, the
Greater Chamber’s Thanks Team WSMR
event and more.
The leadership team at FirstLight places
an emphasis on the commitment to give
back to the community.
“We feel humbled and grateful with the
support the Las Cruces community has given us and look forward to many more years
of building great partnerships and successes
together,” Murphy said.
FirstLight Federal Credit Union can
be found on Facebook, and runs occasional
cash and prize giveaways.
Mission: Helping our members achieve financial success
Customized Training & Workforce Development
Introduction to Mediation
Conflict costs organizations thousands of dollars in legal fees and
wastes precious man hours. Mediation encourages a pro-active versus
re-active approach to managing workplace disputes. This course will
provide individuals with the techniques to mediate workplace
disputes through book theory and mock mediation sessions.
June 6 & 7
Thurs. & Fri.
8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
$250
(575) 527-7776 . ctp@nmsu.edu . 2345 E. Nevada, Las Cruces, NM 88001 . http://dacc.augusoft.net
THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 3
Business organizations take a stance
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce keeps community informed of pro-jobs legislation
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.
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.
This monthly page will also highlight
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
America’s 27 million small businesses
represent 99 percent of U.S. employers, and
account for three-quarters of all new jobs
created. The smallest of businesses stand
to make the biggest impact on economic
growth and job creation.
In order to remain a powerful collective
engine for growth, small businesses need a
little help from Washington. A recent U.S.
Chamber of Commerce survey of small
business owners found that 87 percent are
looking for more certainty from government.
Our leaders can help by putting an end
to the uncertainty that hamstrings hiring,
stifles growth and halts investment.
Small business owners and entrepreneurs
want confidence that their taxes won’t be
hiked and that compliance will be simple
and predictable. They want to know what
the health care law will cost and require of
their businesses so they can plan accordingly.
They want to know what regulations they’ll
face and have confidence that those rules are
based on sound science and good data and
will provide more benefit than cost.
They want to see lawmakers move
forward with an ambitious trade agenda
that will open new opportunities for exports
and expansion. They want to know that
Washington will smartly leverage domestic
energy resources to help keep costs low and
supplies stable in the United States.
Above all, they want to know that our
leaders can work together to solve the
significant fiscal and budget challenges
facing our nation. Small businesses must
make tough decisions every day – they
expect no less from their lawmakers.
With some certainty on these issues,
small businesses will be able to hire,
invest, innovate and expand with greater
confidence. This, in turn, will drive stronger
growth across the economy.
What employers don’t want is
government exerting too much power or
control over their businesses. Only 5 percent
of the small business owners surveyed were
interested in “government assistance.” The
government’s legitimate role in business is
to set the rules of the road; ensure health,
safety and lawful behavior; and foster a
policy environment that allows our free
market economy to thrive. Beyond that,
government can help most by staying out of
the way.
Small businesses know what they want –
and many of them are not afraid to ask for it.
Next week, the U.S. Chamber will welcome
hundreds of owners and entrepreneurs
to America’s Small Business Summit in
Washington. Together, we will send our
leaders and lawmakers a clear message:
When small businesses succeed, America
succeeds. So let’s give them what they want
– and need – to do it.
City of Las Cruces Minimum Wage Increase Resolution
Commissioner Duarte-Benavidez
City of Las Cruces Security Alarm Ordinance
Commissioner Wayne Hancock
Doña Ana County Noise Ordinance
Commissioner Karen Perez
CLC/DAC Support Annual Funding for MVEDA
Commissioner David Garcia
Resolution for Expanded Informed Consent Legislation
Commissioner Billy Garrett
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (public safety)
Mayor Pro-Tem Sharon Thomas
City of Las Cruces Delay of Impact Fees (parks)
Councillor Gil Sorg
City of Las Cruces Delay of Impact Fees (roads, drainage)
Councillor Nathan Small
Resolution for Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument
Councillor Olga Pedroza
City of Las Cruces Night Sky Lighting Ordinance
Councillor Greg Smith
City of Las Cruces Dust Ordinance
Councillor Miguel Silva
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.
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Pro-Jobs
Discussion Item
Mayor Ken Miyagishima
Pro-jobs scorecard for City of Las Cruces & Doña Ana County elected officials
City of Las Cruces Noise Ordinance
City of Las Cruces One Stop Shop Concept
Vote estimated for Spring 2013
&
Vote estimated for Spring 2013
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 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - MAY 2013
The LNG Company
Advertising done right – from Facebook to television
1441 MESA AVE. • 541-3328 • WWW.THELNGCOMPANY.COM
By Rachel Christiansen
Who would have dreamed 15 years ago
online media would have the global stature
it has today?
Now, businesses big and small use the
Internet for a multitude of marketing purposes every single day.
Chris Lang may not have known then,
either, but it was around that time he realized he wanted to help people and businesses find their “voice.”
Mainly through creative advertising
strategies, the Oklahoma native began to
learn the ins and outs of what works to get
the word out to people about what a business has to offer.
Relying on his knowledge of marketing, videography, photography and the tools
the Internet offers, Lang opened The LNG
Company in Las Cruces in November 2011
to do just that.
“I came to realize businesses needed help
setting up their online presence with websites, social media and online reviews,” Lang
said. “I couldn’t have started this business 10
years ago because the Internet has so drastically changed everything.”
There are two stories behind why Lang
chose the name “LNG.” One, is that it stands
for the Local Networking Group. The other,
is something more personal to Lang.
“I started this company with my mother
– she did sales and I did operations,” Lang
said. “Her maiden name was Lang, and then
it changed to Long by coincedence when
she married my stepfather.
“So I took out the vowel, and named it
in her honor.”
Since then, The LNG Company has
helped local clients such as Memorial
Medical Center, the Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce, Las Cruces Public
Schools, Austin “No Doubt” Trout, Andele
Restaurant and more.
Chris Lang, owner of the LNG Company, explains to New Mexico State University student Tanya
Varela the benefits of One Eighty during a launch party for the new company Thursday, April 25. The
party signified a partnership between the two businesses that will extend the availability of discounts and
special offers from local businesses to its members.
As the industry demands change
and growth almost constantly, The LNG
Company has flourished by becoming a
full-service integrated advertising agency
that specializes in print, television and digital advertising; web design and social media;
public relations and brand management;
graphic design and illustration; consumer
insights and analytics; video and post-pro-
duction; commercial photography and creative consulting based on a company’s needs.
“When people say, ‘My business now pops
up on the first page of Google (after a search)
because of you’ that’s a real compliment,”
Lang said. “When someone considers us an
extension of their business, that’s probably
the highest compliment we can get.”
With so many services offered, Lang said
Mission: Founded to help small businesses and organizations find their voice in the
ever demanding world of online media and marketing.
he contracts the best of the best in each respective category to execute a job that needs
to be done.
“At the end of the day, I feel like a creative director,” he said. “I know how to do
everything and I have the vision of what I
want something to look like, so I pull all of
those pieces together.”
Lang himself still seems keen on finding
out what a business’s voice is.
“I’ve always had in interest in how people
are, what their story is and why they do what
they do,” he said. “I’ve made this offer before
and no one has ever taken me up on it – that
I will come be a trainee at your business for
a day if I have to just to figure out what that
voice is.”
Even though he admitted many people
have tribulations about stepping into the
world of online media and marketing because it can be very intimidating, that’s
where The LNG Company comes in.
“(Lang) has a wealth of knowledge to
share with any company,” said Georgia
Lane, owner of Gift Baskets by G. “I just
attended his social media class. … You need
to take his classes – you will walk away with
information that you can implement immediately to help your business.”
LNG’s most recent endeavor is a partnership with New Mexico State University’s
Arrowhead Center-based company, One
Eighty. Residents can sign up for text-based
deals and discounts offered through businesses on a specialized basis.
After offering the NMSU College of
Business a scholarship program, One Eighty
will be kicked off by advocates most keen
to use text and special offers – the students
themselves.
For more information about expanding your business through digital media or
about One Eighty, contact Chris Lang at
541-3328. THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 5
MILITARY
573rd Clearance Company returns
sing the song with a strong emphasis when
they reached the lyrics, “the land of the free.”
The 573rd Clearance Company is one of
By Adriana Salas
five attached to the 2nd Engineer Battalion.
Currently, two additional companies are deSoldiers from the 573rd Clearance ployed overseas and are scheduled to return
Company returned home to a gymnasium later this year.
packed with excited
Andre Balyoz spoke
screams from anxious
at the soldier’s ceremony
friends and family memto briefly thank them for
bers Monday, April 8.
a job well done and misThe company, which is
sion complete. Balyoz said
made up of 126 soldiers,
the company was able to
returned from a ninefind 60 improvised explomonth deployment to
sive devices and had an 85
Afghanistan on a route
percent clearance success
clearance mission.
rate when the average is
Friends and family
65 percent.
members arrived from all
“Because of their hard
over the world to greet
work, countless American
their soldiers as early as
soldiers, soldiers of other
Friday. The soldiers were
nations and local Afghan
scheduled to return on
civilians were able to travSaturday, April 6, but due
el safely,” Balyoz said.
BRIG. GEN. GWEN BINGHAM,
to unforeseen circumWSMR Commander
WSMR commander
stances, had to change
Brig.
Gen.
Gwen
their arrival. The delay
Bingham also spoke at
left several anxious loved
the ceremony to greet the
ones to wait almost two
soldiers and thank them
additional days for their
for their service. Bingham
soldier.
reminded the audience and sol“He always tells me I’m shy
diers that there was one soldier
and I pull back when he gives me
who was not physically present,
affection, but this time I won’t,”
but who she knew was present in
said Vanessa Sanders, mother
sprit.
of 573rd Clearance Company
Sgt. Tristan Wade of the
Soldier Spc. Gabriel Sanders. “I’m
573rd Clearance Company, died
going to try not to cry and hug
March 22 when enemy forces
WADE
him and squeeze him.”
attacked his unit with an improSanders, like many famvised explosive device. Wade left
ily members, traveled a great distance from behind a wife and a daughter.
Murietta, Calif., to see her son for the first
“We vow to never forget his service, his
time in a little less than a year. This is her sacrifice and his family,” Bingham said.
son’s second deployment with the 573rd
“We are mighty, mighty glad that each
Clearance Company, which is the total and every one of you are back home. Our
number of deployments the company has nation owes you a debt of gratitude.”
had since its arrival at WSMR.
The soldiers and family members will reThe patriotism could be felt around ceive about a month of leave to spend with
the room when the recording of the “Star their friends and loved ones before returning
Spangled Banner” malfunctioned during the to work.
ceremony, and friends and family began to
Eager families reunite
We vow
to never forget
his service, his
sacrifice and his
family.
Second Engineer Battalion, 573rd Clearance Co. Soldier, Sgt. 1st Class Patrick Smith holds his son Eli
while his wife, Kristen holds them both during a homecoming ceremony at White Sands Missile Range
Monday, April 8. Smith was one of 126 soldiers to return home from a nine-month deployment to
Afghanistan on a route clearance mission.
L5*647(::PUN
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6 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
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TEEING OFF AT WHITE SANDS MISSILE RANGE
Cedric Baca with the Material Test Directorate at White Sands Missile Range, leads his team toward
their next shot during the WSMR Golf Tournament held with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce Friday, April 12.
WSMR employee Terry Tolbert putts the ball while coworker Tonya Hancock looks on. The annual
spring tournament between chamber members and WSMR is an opportunity for beginning new
relationships and strengthening current ties while enjoying a day on the links.
One-on-One
Business Assitance
WSMR Test Commander James Winbush looks on as Acting Executive Director Bill Gilbert lines up for
his next shot.
FREE SERVICE PROVIDED BY
CITY OF LAS CRUCES
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s%CON$EV LASCRUCESORG
Winbush’s team is stumped by a long putt.
THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 7
AGRICULTURE
Conservation mentality is out-dated
The overlooked Bastion
By Stephen L. Wilmeth
The founders had it right.
They envisioned a government led by independent
Americans who were not reliant on the umbilical cord of
societal sustenance. Those leaders were intended to be veterans of life who fought the fight of survival, prevailed and
excelled in their individual campaigns and came to realize it
was their persistence and abilities that delivered success.
It wasn’t the system that made it happen. It was the
summation of their life’s commitment. Their ability to be
elected was predicated not on deep pockets and political
party support, but their stature amidst peers who interacted
with them in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
The approach was simple. It elevated the sovereign individual to the spotlight, but it didn’t allow that spotlight
to rule the whole. That spotlight was only one of many who
pooled their individual wisdom gleaned by experience. As
a result, there was no contrived agenda. Those leaders gathered and offered their counsel and went home to live out
their days on the continuing merits of their life’s work.
There is no semblance of such a system today – nor has
there been for most of our history.
Conservation districts
Conservation districts have been around a long time.
Their roots are a 20th century phenomenon that doesn’t
mirror the bounds of the founders’ vision.
They came from the depression era when government
had reached full acceleration away from our constitutional
underpinnings. It was then the first support programs were
being installed, altered and then dropped or manipulated.
The Dust Bowl was the perfect storm of federal meddling
and climatic conditions that left millions of acres of precious soil exposed.
In its expanded role as monarchs, the federal leadership
approached the debacle on the basis of casting blame. They
engineered a continued series of grand schemes that would
forever ensure nothing like the Dust Bowl would happen
again. Implicit in the process, the fall guys were the farmers.
They were cast as less than bright characters who needed to
be held in check by the government.
It was a technique that has been used systematically
since.
Ostensibly, conservation districts, subdivisions of state
government, were established legislatively to preserve and
develop soil, water and other natural resources in order to
protect and promote the health and general welfare of the
people of the state. Those bodies were specifically created
to control and prevent soil erosion, prevent floodwater and
sediment damage, develop the beneficial application of
water and promote the impoundment of water for recreational use. The combination of those factors would develop
resources, protect the tax base and promote the general welfare of the people.
Sounds good, eh?
If a modern ecotourism program was organized for the
purpose of visiting two score and seven conservation district
meetings in a month’s period, the informed eco-tourist
would come away with a heightened sense of the benefits
of government. They would enter into the world of land
stewards on an elevated plane. They would see elected officials dealing first hand with local resources. They would
be brought up to speed on the grants, the funding and the
projects that are driven out of Washington.
The programs, without exception, are still conceptualized on the Dust Bowl mentality of defending the resources
against the shortcomings of the stewards. Indeed, the revenue harvests from Washington are being converted into
programs that are saving the environment and our resources.
That interpretation could not be further from the truth …
Genius still exists
American agriculture’s continued success is not because
of any program that emanates from Washington. It is successful because of the immensity of our nation’s natural
resources, irrigation projects that were constructed before
progressive federal impaction, relatively cheap and abundant
energy and the genius of its participants.
American agriculture maintains it success on two very
basic fronts. The first is remnants of the founders’ concept
of a limited but directed role of government in the wellbeing of our nation. The second is the model of the sovereign
individual, projected into the greater system, who can be
judged only by the full body of his life’s work.
It is the latter where genius remains in abundance.
It is manifested in green, red and blue paint. It expands
to visions predicted by algorithms, seen only by electron
microscopes, and converted into goods and services by the
risk taker.
It is that sovereign individual, he of the founders’ faith,
who maintains and perpetuates the system, a system unlike
any the world has ever seen.
The unexpected role
The words used to describe the role of conservation
districts should make every free and independent man a bit
amused and underwhelmed. Paraphrased, they read:
“To take available technical, financial and educational resources, whatever their source, and focus or coordinate them
so that they meet the needs of the local land user.’”As such,
have the laws governing conservation districts worked?
The answer is couched on the basis of what measured
value is used. If it is money from Washington, the answer is
a resounding “yes.” Billions of dollars have been transported
from the pockets of taxpayers to various projects.
What about real success? Is the industry more robust in
a more esoteric measure?
In a very critical measurement, the law has failed in
terms of assuring the specific terms and conditions of the
statute relating to the health and welfare of the stewards.
In Doña Ana County, arguably the highest impact
agricultural county in the state, the rate of stewardship perpetuation can be measured. It stands at 17 percent. Only 17
percent of the existing, historical farms and ranches have a
young steward standing in the wings to perpetuate the very
resources that New Mexico statute 73-20-25 through 49
pledges to protect and preserve.
It isn’t because those next generation stewards don’t exist
as much as the operations are constrained to create opportunities for those future stewards. Landlocked in a sea
of federal land ownership, existing water and land resources
are forced to fight it out against the expansion of residential
growth. Agriculture is losing that battle in a federally induced constraint and regulation debacle.
Comparing the two factors – money spent and dynamics
of the industry as measured by perpetuation of vital stewards – a more appropriate, evolving role of conservation districts, though, may be occurring. Paraphrased similarly, that
role is starting to read, albeit in starts and stops, as follows:
“To provide a firewall against the onslaught and assault
of our land stewards by government regardless of source, so
that they can survive and perpetuate their vital stewardship.”
That action, however, is not so much a feature of change
in the mission as it is realization of our national condition.
Reasonable people must wake up. A most central factor in
this is the prevailing makeup of the boards themselves. They
are still largely populated by members who are not driven
by progressive ideals. Unlike too many evolving county
commissions and city councils, they are largely industry participants who lean to objective standards that more closely
reflect original concepts. They tend to adhere to limited
government and the majority of the tenants that made the
industry the marvel it is.
If they suffer from federalism, it is in the continuing
inclination to participate in programs that cannot be characterized by anything other than welfare. Rename or classify
any program, if it is capitalized through taxpayer extractions,
it is welfare.
Nonetheless, conservation districts are the overlooked
and vital third leg of local government. County commissions and city councils are obvious, but conservation districts, too, are supervised by elected bodies of officials. They
are boards who have the authority to deal with the resources
that are being ransacked through activist environmental
agendas.
New realization
Rural America must defend itself. If it is lost, our country is lost.
It must expand as a bastion of strong leadership, and it
must be populated by leaders who recognize local government stands only behind the sovereign individual as the salvation of our nation. Individual success must be heralded.
Stewards must be encouraged to make investments
for their future based on reality not government. Strong
Americans give rise to strong Americans.
Customs and cultures are not arbitrary and they won’t
remain intact if left undefended.
The Dust Bowl would have been dramatically reduced
if government had remained the model of original intent.
Conservation districts arose, but their importance has taken
a totally unexpected turn. They are becoming last resort defenders of our freedom.
Our founders might actually approve.
Stephen L. Wilmeth is a rancher from New Mexico. “As annual
elections take place, get to know your local conservation district officials. Encourage their stance against factors that threaten your customs
and culture. Demand they stand up and make a bigger impact in our
communities.”
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8 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
CONQUISTADORE CORNER
Passion with a purpose
A
s most of you know, the
Conquistadores are the
good-will ambassadors for
the Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce. You see us around
town each month at ribbon
cuttings and groundbreakings
as well as charity and special
events. We are an extension of the
chamber, and we advocate for the
business community as well.
We volunteer our time
to help members maximize
their benefits and get involved
with the chamber’s goals and
initiatives. Each one of us is not
only a Conquistadore, but we
are chamber members as well.
We believe in the mission of the
chamber and know firsthand the
impact a chamber membership
can have on a business.
It is with this in mind that
the Conquistadores are taking yet
another step to support both the
chamber and the local business
community. We are happy to
announce the Conquistadores
will offer our first New Small &
Minority Business Scholarship
Program which will provide a
free membership to the selected
business.
We are committed to helping
small businesses to succeed and a
membership in the chamber with
the all the resources, benefits and
networking opportunities can
definitely help them grow.
Please contact Vice President
of Development Troy Tudor at the
chamber for scholarship criteria
and an application.
We are proud to see our
members grow and be successful.
One of our recent proud moments
was welcoming five new business
leaders to our growing group of
Conquistadores.
On behalf of the
Conquistadores, Greater Las
Cruces Chamber Board of
Directors and members a
huge welcome and congrats to
Jodie Brdecko with American
Documents Services, Lafe
Gottschling with Bravo Mic
Communications, Lupe
Rios with Sagecrest Nursing
& Rehabilitation Center,
Laura Smart with Arbonne
International and Kate Theisen
with Sunspot Solar Energy
Systems. We are honored to
have their dedication, energy and
support to the chamber and our
growing business community.
If you would like to get
involved with the Conquistadores
and be a change agent for our
business community contact the
chamber office, and let’s take that
next step together!
Stacie Allen,
Chair of the Council of
Conquistadores 2013
Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce
STACIE ALLEN
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS AT WRIGHT JEWELERS
Business After Hours was held
Thursday, April 25, and is one
of several networking events the
chamber hosts every month. For the
next Business After Hours, check
the calendar on page 14.
Juan Balderrama, Owner of Mr.
Hats, and Susan Palmer, Marketing
Director of Mesilla Valley Mall,
enjoy the Chamber’s Business After
Hours at Wright Jewelers Thursday,
April 25.
Chuck Saari and Nancy Wright
of Wright Jewelers and Bill Allen,
President/CEO Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce
Danielle Kleist, Office Manager at
Eagle Security, and Aaron Marquez,
Construction Manager at Eagle Security
THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 9
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH - MAY 2013
New Mexico Spaceport Authority
901 E. UNIVERSITY AVE., SUITE 965L, LAS CRUCES NM 88001 • 373-6110 • WWW.SPACEPORTAMERICA.COM
Mission:
Enable affordable, efficient
and effective access to space
by developing and operating
the world’s first, purpose-built
commercial spaceport aimed at
inspiring and delighting the next
generation.
Catalyze stakeholders’
economic prosperity through
public and private cooperation,
stewardship of the environment
and celebration of New Mexico’s
cultural heritage.
Immerse visitors in the next
generation of spaceflight in a
hands-on, dynamic environment,
full of authentic opportunity to
participate, learn and discover.
Purpose:
Unlock the potential of space
for everyone by offering the
world an invitation to space.
Key goals:
Generate enough business
activity and commercials revenue
to cover operational expenses,
accommodate new growth
and provide funds to continue
to refresh and maintain the
spaceport.
Drive local job and population
growth and inject the regional
economy with greater demand
for goods, services and skilled
workforce.
Deliver efficient and effective
services to all customers, whether
commercial launch tenants,
governmental research and
development clients or visiting
guests.
History/future plans:
Spaceport America is the
world’s first purpose-built,
commercial spaceport, intended
to be the launch pad of the global
commercial spaceflight industry
and the second space age. The
$209 million project has attracted
worldwide attention because
of its bold premise, stunning
Norman Foster architecture
and the fact that it is home to
the world’s first commercial
passenger spaceline company,
Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin
Galactic.
Operated by the New Mexico
Spaceport Authority (NMSA),
Spaceport America is nearing
completion of the first phase
of construction, which includes
basic operational infrastructure
such as an airfield, launch
pads, terminal/hangar facility,
emergency response capabilities,
utilities and roadways.
The site will be capable of
accommodating the activities
of both vertical and horizontal
takeoff space launch vehicles,
serving as the base for pre-flight
and post-flight activities, and
providing a tourism experience
for interested visitors and
spectators.
The spaceport also presents
a unique opportunity to excite
students regarding space
technology and the underlying
science and mathematics.
As a New Mexico public
agency, the NMSA views the
project as an investment by
the taxpayers of New Mexico
to support the emerging
commercial space industry,
thereby functioning as a catalyst
for significant job creation
and economic development
opportunities. Spaceport
America will be a key component
in the state’s effort to attract
space-related business to New
Mexico.
U.S.-based Virgin Galactic,
part of the Virgin Group
founded by British entrepreneur
Sir Richard Branson and
regarded by many as the
current world leader in personal
spaceflight, is the spaceport’s
anchor tenant.
Virgin Galactic will locate its
primary launch and operational
activities at Spaceport America,
and its worldwide headquarters
in New Mexico.
Thanks to this relationship
with Virgin Galactic, a unique
and favorable combination of
geographic advantages, technical
support from neighboring
White Sands Missile Range,
and a long local heritage of
space-related activity, Spaceport
America is positioned to become
a pioneering leader of the new
commercial space industry and
reap the corresponding economic
benefits for New Mexico.
Key people to know:
• Christine Anderson, Executive
Director
• Dr. Bill Gutman, Technical
Operations Manager
• Aaron Prescott, Business
Operations Manager
• Chad Rabon, General
Operations Manager
Conquistadores offer scholars program
Application deadline is Friday, May 31
The Council of Conquistadores, goodwill ambassadors for the Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce, is excited
to announce the New Small & Minority
Business Scholars Program.
This initiative aims to encourage new
businesses as a part of our community
culture and increase instances of their
success.
The Council of the Conquistadores
will select applicants and engage them in
a mentorship program, providing guid-
10 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
ance and assistance through chamber resources. New Small & Minority Business
Scholars Program participants will receive
a Business Partner Chamber Membership,
which includes: a ribbon cutting performed by the Conquistadores with a
picture in The Bottom Line; a business
listing on the chamber website; referral,
networking and free educational opportunities; and a U.S. Chamber of Commerce
associate membership.
For
consideration,
successful
candidates will meet the following criteria:
• Has never been a member of the
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce
• Has been in business for no more than
two years
• Has four employees or less
• Is located at a commercial address (no
home-based businesses)
• Can provide two letters of reference/
referral
The application deadline is Friday, May
31. The Selection Committee will coordinate final interviews, with an anticipated
decision date in mid-June. Contact Troy
Tudor at ttudor@lascruces.org to obtain a
New Small & Minority Business Scholars
Program application.
For more information, contact
the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce at 524-1968.
LEADERSHIP LAS CRUCES
Leadership class begins program
Business leaders get an understanding of economic development
On Friday, April 19, the Leadership Las Cruces Class
of 2013 met for its Economic Development and Small
Business Day.
The day’s activities provided a better understanding of
economic threats and opportunities for the future of Las
Cruces; an understanding of infrastructure requirements for
the attraction of jobs, business investments, income growth
and expansion of the local tax base; and an objective view of
challenges and opportunities that exist which impact current and future quality of life.
The leadership class began its day discussing leadership,
then observed leadership in action. Hot topics included the
lack of educated employees in the community’s work force,
which hampers New Mexico’s ability to attract new business.
To develop a thriving local economy, Las Cruces
must build the right environment for commerce to grow
and elevate job quality and employee performance. The
Chamber’s Skill Ready Doña Ana program offers a solutionbased approach to hiring, aimed at improving the workforce
quality not only for business, but for the community at
large, easing an objection raised by businesses interested in
relocating to the area.
The class also learned that New Mexico leads the nation in economic growth with exports. However, due to load
weight limits, truckloads must be adjusted, in turn affecting
commerce between the United States and Mexico.
Due to changes in recent New Mexico legislation,
Santa Teresa has successfully made load limits a non-issue
by building the infrastructure to import heavy loads from
Mexico. The six mile overweight cargo zone allows trucks
to travel with up to 96,000 pounds of cargo. The legislation
helps existing companies in the area, and several companies
Kenna Stubbs, Sherri Rials, Laura Reynolds, Karen Altamirano,
Belinda Mills and Sue Cerny end the Economic Development day
with the rest of the Leadership Las Cruces class with wine tastings at
St. Clair Winery & Bistro.
have moved to the Santa Teresa area as a direct result of the
new zone.
The Leadership Class worked well together, dividing the
participation and presentation tasks. They look forward to
reconvening Friday, May 17, to learn about health care.
Junior Leadership visits White Sands Missile Range
Class tours military base
This past month, the class of Junior Leadership went
over the mountain – the Organ Mountains that, once
crossed over, opens up a new world of technology, history
and opportunities.
Many students who call Las Cruces home didn’t know
of the treasure right over the hill at White Sands Missile
Range (WSMR).
Cammy Montoya, public affairs specialist for WSMR
and a Leadership Las Cruces Alumni, gave a tour of the
base, connected the group with various military leaders
who discussed what really goes on at WSMR.
The day started with Darren Court, WSMR museum
curator, telling a history of the base. It was great to learn
about how the base was developed, the wildlife that is still
part of the environment and the amazing milestones that
have happened at WSMR.
The class explored the museum, learned about different rockets and missiles and saw a V-2 rocket – which
dates back to World War II.
From the museum, the class toured the base and saw
different training stations, command centers and were
able to stop and tour launch site 33 – where the V-2
rocket was tested. While traveling on base, the class saw a
herd of oryx near a pond. These large animals are just one
of the many special treasures at WSMR.
During lunch at the Frontier Club, the class was
honored to have Cedric Baca and Liz Ramos as guest
speakers. They are part of the more than 8,000-member
workforce, military and civilian population that support
WSMR.
Both are engineers at the test center on base. Together,
they have more than 35 years of knowledge between
about the engineering field.
“Here at the test center, we are dedicated to supporting the military with the best equipment, training, resources and leadership,” Baca said.
Hard work, dedication, research and attitude were
some of the key items the speakers expressed were important to being successful.
“You must have a positive, can do attitude,” Baca said.
Ramos, who said she was the first college graduate in
her family, has been an electrical engineer for almost 12
years at WSMR. When asked why she chose the field of
engineering, she said, “The challenge of the engineering
field intrigued me and it opened up a lot of opportunities.”
She advised the students to, “learn as much as you
can and don’t give up.” The students were given time to
ask questions, learn more about the engineering field and
other employment opportunities offered at the base.
After lunch, the class concluded the day with Nancy
DeVeny, facility manager at Cox Range Control Center
and also a Leadership Las Cruces alum, at the Control
Center.
DeVeny gave a tour of the air traffic control center.
The class was surprised WSMR has an actual air traffic
Business Banking Made
5 LOCATIONS IN
LAS CRUCES
The Junior Leadership Las Cruces class visited WSMR and
toured the missile range for their class.
control center on post – similar, but smaller in size to any
major airport in the US.
The students also had the opportunity to see some
videos of missile launches that conducted at the facility.
The class was sincerely grateful and expressed thanks
to Montoya, her fellow colleagues and all at WSMR for
introducing the Junior Leadership Las Cruces class to
the wonderful work, knowledge and opportunities that
are right in their community. The impact of this day will
be long lasting.
If you know of an incoming high school junior who
would be interested in joining the 2013-14 class, please
call the chamber at 524-1968.
Easy!
WWW.CITIZENSLC.COM
-AINLOCATION3-AIN3Ts,AS#RUCES.-s
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THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 11
RIBBON CUTTINGS
HERITAGE HOME HEALTHCARE OF SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO - April 2, 1065 S. Main St.,
Building D, Suite H – Manager of Operations Cathy Montgomery and CFO Shawn Ricketts hold the
proclamations while CEO Len Trainor cuts the ribbon.
ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE - April 4, 3299 Del Rey Blvd. – Director of Sales and
Marketing Lou Hendren holds the proclamation while owner Wanda Bowman cuts the ribbon.
SITEL - Workplace Employee Garden - April 19, 2100 Summit Court – New Mexico State University
ACES Scharlene Ortiz, Vanessa Martinez and Sitel Human Resources Manager Francine Deutchman
hold the proclamations while Director John Muñoz cuts the ribbon.
CONVERGYS - April 16, 4201 Del Rey Blvd. – Manager of Recruiting Omar Pina holds the
proclamation while Site Director Jim Crossland cuts the ribbon.
MESILLA COMMUNITY CENTER - April 17, 2251 Calle de Santiago – Town of Mesilla Trustee Sam
Bernal holds the proclamation while Mayor Nora L. Barraza cuts the ribbon.
VESCOVO TOYOTA - April 18, 935 S. Valley Drive – Former owners Paul and Susan Vescovo and
Amanda Vescovo hold the proclamations while President George Vescovo cuts the ribbon.
Everything you want to know about Las Cruces
Featuring 260 pages of:
• Homes &
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& people to know
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Call To Reserve Your Space Now • Shellie McNabb Advertising Manager 575-680-1979
12 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
New Members
9Round Las Cruces
Mark Rojas
652-1071
Divine Equine
Jackie A. Barris
430-6341
Hospitality Club
of Las Cruces
John ( J.P.) Phelan
647-2703
Las Cruces Tower LLP
Sonia Skowronski
556-0470
Reata Gallery
Vickie Sprouse
649-0636
Varay Systems
Patrick Holland
915-496-8555
Renewing Members
Allstate Financial Services
Darla Benusa
David D. Warren, DDS, PA
Michael Law
Ken Miyagishima
Ken Miyagishima
Ronald Salak
Ronald K. Salak
Stubbs Engineering Inc.
Kenna Stubbs
American Document Services
Rick Jackson
Del Valle Physical Therapy
Don Thome
Kosh Solutions
Carol Ann Council
Roto-Rooter
Brian Pierce
SUCCESS...incorporated!
Steven Chavira
Ashley Furniture HomeStore
Wanda Bowman
Do It Best Sun Valley Hardware
Brad Achen
La Casa Inc.
Theresa Armendariz
Sun Orthodontix Ltd.
Moni Cornwell
Attorney at Law Melissa J. Reeves P.C.
Melissa J. Reeves, P.C.
Douglas Inspections
Douglas Ramsey
La Piñon Sexual Assault and
Recovery Services
Donna Richmond
Sagecrest Rehabilitation &
Nursing Center
Lupe Rios
Benchmark Business Solutions/
Xerox
Amanda Kuhn
Billy the Kid Gift Shop
Charlie and Diane Rogers
DreamCatcher Inn
Bed & Breakfast
Anita McLeod
Family Eye Care
Rodger V. Lewis
Landmark Real Estate and
Investment Inc.
Hector Diaz
Las Cruces Orthopaedic
Associates
Delilah Prieto
Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Cruces
Brian D. Johnson
Gibson, Dr. John - Doctor of
Oriental Medicine
John H. Gibson
Bravo Chevrolet - Cadillac
Raymond Palacios
Golden West Trading Company
Talea Alberson
Bridget Burris, DDS, PC
Lana Griffith
Griffins Propane Inc.
Richard Griffin
Bright Star Dental
Brian Gilbert
Heritage Home Healthcare of
Southern New Mexico
Cathy Montgomery
One Source Federal Credit Union
Christina Quesada
Hillrise Dental
Cynthia A. Ormseth
Property Consultants LLC
Terriane Everhart
Holiday Inn Express Las Cruces North
Victor Delgado
RE/Max Classic Realty Nora Stone
Nora Stone
Innovate+Educate
Brian Ormand
Reditax
Ray A. Holguin
Inspection Masters
Roger Holt
Rio Grande Contract Furnishing
David Horsley
CA Skin and Body Clinic
Anna Hooley
Cordova, Kathleen DDS
Kathleen Cordova
Cracker Barrel
Old Country Store
Dory D. Mendenhall
Crown Building
Maintenance Inc.
Shawn McGuire
Mesilla Valley Hospice
Donna M. Brown
New Mexico Department of
Agriculture NMSU
Jeff Witte
Northern Office Products
Shane Gibson
Schwalm, Martos & Co.
Myrle Schwalm
Smith Engineering Co.
John Jaquess
Sonny Klein
Sonny Klein
Sonoma Ranch Golf Course
Peter Raitt
Spencer Theater for the
Performing Arts
Charles Centilli
Steinborn & Associates Real
Estate - Connie Hettinga
Connie Hettinga
Steinborn & Associates Real
Estate - Zane Fikany
Zane Fikany
Sunspot Solar Energy Systems
LLC
Janet Honek
The Bridge of Southern
New Mexico
Tracey Bryan
Toucan Market
Richard Cole
U.S. Bank - Amador Branch
Karen Bailey
UnitedHealthcare
Janelle Brookhouser
Wagner Rents
Tim Reeves
Waltrex Corporation
Johnny Walter
Western Heritage Alliance
Jerry G. Schickedanz
Steinborn & Associates Real
Estate - Brenda Porter
Brenda Porter
Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld
Jenny Ayer
Steinborn & Associates Real
Estate - Grady Oxford
Grady Oxford
White Sands Missile Range
(DMWR)
Kristen Smith
Steinborn & Associates Real
Estate- Jennifer Goude
Jennifer Goude
THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 13
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEDULE
MAY 2013
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
4 p.m.
Conquistador
Executive
Committee
Thursday
4 p.m.
Issues &
Governmental
Affairs Committee
1
4 p.m.
Las Cruces
Day in Santa Fe
Committee
5
Noon
Retention
Committee
12
7
4 p.m.
Conquistador
Yellow Team
Reception
(Picacho Hills
Country Club)
13
14
Noon
Transportation
Committee
19
20
21
8
9
10:30 a.m.
Skill Ready Doña
Ana Work Group
Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce
3
8 a.m.
Classic Golf
Tournament
(NMSU Golf
Course)
10
Las Cruces
4
Quick Facts
HOUSING PRICE INDEX
11
8 a.m.
Leadership
Las Cruces
(Memorial
Medical Center)
11 a.m.
Small Business
Council
Committee
15
Saturday
2
10:30 a.m.
9 a.m.
Skill Ready Doña Commercial
Ana Work Group Space Committee
6 p.m.
Jr. Leadership
Graduation
(Double Eagle)
6
Friday
8:30 a.m.
Literacy
Conference
Committee
Las Cruces
(Doña Ana
County)
New Mexico
United States
March ‘13
Median
% change
$135,000
$159,637
15.5
$158,000
$164,000
$172,000
$184,300
8.2
11.1
CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS
16
17
18
10:30 a.m.
5:30 p.m.
Skill Ready Doña Business after
Ana Work Group Hours (Greater
LC Chamber of
Commerce)
22
March ‘12
Median
23
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
24
25
4 p.m.
10:30 a.m.
Board of Directors Skill Ready Doña
Ana Work Group
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.
7,721
77
people have visited the chamber’s website.
26
27
28
29
30
31
people have inquired about individual relocation.
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
CHAMBER EVENTS
2013 SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE
NOW AVAILABLE
ON NEWSSTANDS & AT THE LAS CRUCES BULLETIN
s&AXs.4ELSHOR3UITE%,AS#RUCES.-
14 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
CHAMBER MEMBER BRIEFS
DACC opens new Student
Resources Building
Martinez announces
commission posts
El Paso Electric announces
executive appointments
Doña Ana Community College cut the ceremonial
ribbon to celebrate the official grand opening of its new
66,500-square-foot Student Resources Building Tuesday,
April 30. This grand opening marked the culmination of
phases VI and VII of the East Mesa campus, which was
made possible through the passing of $6 million in state
and $12 million in local funding through general obligation bonds in 2008.
Ralph Ramos of Las Cruces has been named to the
State Game Commission, Gov. Susana Martinez announced Friday, April 19.
Ramos is principal of Camino Real Middle School and
also a quality control manager of F&A Dairy Products Inc.
He holds both a master’s and bachelor’s degree in agriculture and extension education from New Mexico State
University.
On the same date, Patricia Sullivan of Las Cruces was
named to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher
Education. Sullivan has more than 29 years experience
working with colleges, research universities and nonprofit entities. She earned her Ph.D., master’s and bachelor’s degrees from NMSU.
El Paso Electric Co. announces the promotion of David
Hawkins to vice president of Power Marketing and Fuels
and Resource Delivery Planning and the appointment of
Steve Buraczyk to vice president of Regulatory Affairs.
Hawkins will oversee the economic management and
dispatch of EPE’s system as well as EPE’s wholesale power
and fuel transactions. Buraczyk will be responsible for developing regulatory strategy and filings to comply with all requirements
of the regulatory commissions in Texas and New Mexico
and many filings with the Federal Energy Regulatory
Commission. He will also have responsibility for developing and managing rates for service and energy efficiency. Commercial brokers featured
at May Business in the
Borderplex forum
The May meeting of the MVEDA Business in the
Borderplex Forum will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Tuesday, May 7, at Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces, 705 S.
Telshor Blvd. The meeting will begin with a hot entrée
buffet.
The meeting will feature local commercial real estate
brokers and developers addressing trends that are impacting economic development and growth in both Las Cruces
and El Paso.
Luncheon cost is $20 per person, payable by cash, check
or major credit card. The meeting is open to the public.
A large turnout is expected so reservations are required.
Confirm attendance by Friday, May 3, by sending an email
to rsvp@mveda.com or by calling the office at 525-2852.
Do Business
with Chamber Members!
Shorty’s Food Marts sold
After 28 years in the convenience store business, Dave
Hooker of Las Cruces announced Monday, April 22, the
sale of all three Shorty’s Food Mart locations. The new
owner/operators are J&R Holdings Inc., a family-owned
business, according to Hooker. The sale was completed on
Saturday, April 20.
County seeks lease proposals for
Southern New Mexico Speedway
Doña Ana County is soliciting requests for proposals (RFPs) for the lease, management and operations of
the Southern New Mexico Speedway, which is located 11
miles west of Las Cruces, adjacent to the Southern New
Mexico Fairgrounds.
Sealed proposals can be mailed or delivered to the
Doña Ana County Purchasing Department, Room 2-147,
845 N. Motel Blvd., Las Cruces, NM 88007. Deadline to
submit proposals is 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 14. Any proposal
received after the closing time will be returned unopened.
For more information, contact Doña Ana County
Purchasing Manager Donald E. Bullard at 525-5927 or
donb@donaanacounty.org
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Mesilla Valley Hospital
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Mesilla Valley Hospital announced Monday, April
22, that it has welcomed Ernest A. Flores, M.D., as its
new medical director. Flores brings with him more than
35 years of experience working with those suffering from
mental health and chemical dependency concerns in both
inpatient and outpatient settings.
Flores is a board-certified psychiatrist who has been
established in the Las Cruces area for more than 25 years,
having worked previously as medical director at Mesilla
Valley Hospital. He will oversee the psychiatric care on
all the units at the hospital, including adult, adolescent,
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Flores will move his private practice, Las Cruces Mental
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Come and meet
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http://library.las-cruces.org
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THE BOTTOM LINE • May 2013 • 15
Hello, may we help you?
The staff at the Las Cruces Bulletin has new direct telephone lines. Please take note
of the numbers and give us a call when you need us. We’re happy to help serve you.
CIRCULATION
Alyce Bales, Circulation Manager
575-680-1841 alyce@lascrucesbulletin.com
NEWS
Rachel Christiansen, Managing Editor
575-680-1975 rachelc@lascrucesbulletin.com
Todd Dickson, News
575-680-1983 editor@lascrucesbulletin.com
Zak Hansen, Arts & Entertainment
575-680-1958 zak@lascrucesbulletin.com
Jim Hilley, Sports
575-680-1859 jim@lascrucesbulletin.com
Alta LeCompte, Business
575-680-1840 alta@lascrucesbulletin.com
David Salcido, Business
575-680-1845 david@lascrucesbulletin.com
Lorena Sanchez, Health & Well Being
575-680-1973 health@lascrucesbulletin.com
Beth Sitzler, Homes & Southwest Living, Church
575-680-1843 beth@lascrucesbulletin.com
PUBLISHER
Richard Coltharp, Publisher
575-526-4712 richard@lascrucesbulletin.com
ADVERTISING
Claire Frohs, Marketing Consultant
575-680-1844 claire@lascrucesbulletin.com
Sid Graft, General Manager, HouseHunt
575-680-1980 sid@househuntlc.com
Stephanie Griffin, Office Manager
575-524-8065 stephanie@lascrucesbulletin.com
Jorge Lopez, Marketing Consultant
575-680-1860 jorge@lascrucesbulletin.com
Shellie McNabb, Advertising Manager
575-680-1979 shellie@lascrucesbulletin.com
Pam Rossi, Marketing Consultant
575-680-1974 pam@lascrucesbulletin.com
PRODUCTION
Rachel Courtney, Production Manager
575-532-9669 ads@lascrucesbulletin.com
Theresa Basaldua, Special Sections Manager, Art Director
575-680-1982 theresa@lascrucesbulletin.com
Ray Gonzalez, Graphic Designer
575-680-1978 ray@lascrucesbulletin.com
Jess Grady, Graphic Designer
575-680-1858 jessica@lascrucesbulletin.com
Steven Parra, Graphic Designer
575-680-1981 steven@lascrucesbulletin.com
Rafael Torres, Graphic Designer
575-680-1976 rafael@lascrucesbulletin.com
Main Phone 575-524-8061
Fax 575-526-4621
16 • May 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
840 N. Telshor Blvd. Suite E
Las Cruces, NM 88011