1. travel
2. tourist destinations
3. mexico and central america

bottom line
the
GREATER LAS CR UCES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • DECEMBER 2 0 1 3 • WWW.LASCR UCES.ORG
Chamber’s Annual Banquet
Friday, Jan. 17, 2014
Las Cruces Convention Center
Greater Las
Cruces Chamber
of Commerce
President/CEO Bill
Allen presented
on the Skill Ready
Doña Ana County
program during
the inaugural
Close It Summit in
Washington, D.C.,
Tuesday through
Thursday,
Nov. 5-7.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
President and Chair Columns...............2
Business of the Month ........................3
Pro-jobs scorecard ..............................4
Military Update..................................5
Leadership Las Cruces ........................5
Nonprofit of the Month ......................6
Conquistadore Column ......................7
Agriculture Column ............................8
Small Business of the Month ................9
Junior Leadership .............................10
Business After Hours ..........................11
Ribbon Cuttings ................................12
New and Renewing Members ............13
Calendar and Statistics .......................14
Chamber Briefs .................................15
JOIN THE CHAMBER
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce provides more than 50 events
and programs each year to promote
the growth of area businesses and the
economic success of the region.
Skill Ready Doña Ana gets more attention
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.
Tuesday through Thursday, Nov. 5-7, 350
leaders from industry, government, education, foundations, nonprofit and social venture organizations gathered at the Capital
Hilton in Washington, D.C., for the inaugural Close It Summit.
It was a packed agenda with extraordinary speakers and participants asking
thought-provoking questions, challenging the status quo and actively engaged in
finding solutions to close the skills gap and
bridge the opportunity divide.
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce was selected to present its Skill
Ready Doña Ana program to the group.
This is the second time in two months that
the Chamber has been recognized for its
innovative program designed to assist both
employers and employees in the hiring process. The Chamber also presented this program in September at the U.S. Chamber of
Commerce’s “Connecting the Dots” event.
If you are interested in becoming a
member of our growing organization,
contact Vice President of Development
Troy Tudor at 524-1968 or
[email protected].
GREATER LAS CR UCES
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
505 S. MAIN ST.,
SUITE 134
LAS CRUCES, NM 88001
575-524-1968
WWW.LASCRUCES.ORG
Chamber presents program on national stage a second time
In addition, the Chamber has presented the program to more than 100 other
chambers throughout the country via webinars put on by the American Chamber
of Commerce Executives and the Western
Chamber of Commerce Executives.
The Close It Summit was designed to
bring together business and education leaders, human resource practitioners, work
force and youth development innovators,
social impact organizations and policy experts actively engaged in creating new talent
pathways to close the skills gap and bridge
the opportunity divide.
During the summit, attendees were able
to explore how non-traditional partnerships, industry-led initiatives and funding
opportunities are building work force skills
to meet the business objectives of employers. They learned about new strategies being implemented, and gained insights into
innovative practices that can improve skills
and connect jobseekers to employment.
As with any event of this type, being able
to network with peers, corporate leaders and
independent experts to learn and share current ideas and practices that exist in talent
assessment, innovative hiring, skills training,
work force and economic development was
a key component.
The big takeaway for this event were key
issues shaping work force policy and industry engagement, and the ability to gain insights into the know-how to replicate innovative new practices that have been proven
successful in closing the skills gap for both
jobseekers and employers.
Next up for Skill Ready Doña Ana was
a reception on Building a Better Workforce
in Doña Ana County Thursday, Dec. 3, at
Oñate High School.
For more information, call the Chamber
at 524-1968. For more on the event, visit
www.closeit.org
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
New Mexico State University
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
Ben Rawson
Doña Ana County Commission
Davin Lopez
Mesilla Valley Economic
Development Alliance
Monte Marlin
White Sands Missile Range
Ways to say ‘thank you’ Eyes on 2014 goals
G
efore I read Leslie’s last
column, I knew it would
be perfect. She always
finds a way to articulate things in
just the right way.
I have thoroughly enjoyed
working with Leslie this year,
and I appreciate her leadership
as we continue to transform the
Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce into being a voice
for businesses in southern New
Mexico.
We have made great strides in
the past several years and plan to
continue those efforts in 2014.
BILL ALLEN
I truly appreciate the time put
in by our board members. Remember, these folks volunteer their
time in support of our efforts. We ask a good deal of this group of
leaders – simply attending our more than 50 events every year is a
big ask of their time. Couple that with board meetings and other
projects that seem to come up every year and we keep 17 people,
who have a “real” job, pretty busy.
At the end of every year, we have to say goodbye to board
members who will not be with us next year. This year, we will lose
Kiel Hoffman, Margie Huerta, John Hummer, Jaki McCollum and
Terra Van Winter. These people helped shape this organization to
what it is today.
However, we are fortunate to add a great group of new board
members in January who will help us continue to move forward.
We will add Russell Allen, Rick Jackson, Rick Nezzer and Sabrina
Martin in 2014. I think they are a great representation of the
Las Cruces business community. Mike Beckett, owner of COAS
Books, will come on as chair next year. One of his goals for 2014 is
supporting small businesses – who better to lead that charge than
a small business owner?
I want to thank you for your support again this year. The staff
here at the Chamber really cares about your business and the
community. We look forward to serving you again next year.
Leslie Cervantes, Chair of the Board
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Bill Allen, President/CEO
Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce
Bill Allen
President/CEO
Troy Tudor
Vice President of Development
Liz Banegas
Office Manager
Cyndi Armijo
Billing & Database Assistant
Rosa Bañuelos
Communications Coordinator
bottom line
the
Bulletin
T H E
L A S
PUBLISHER
Richard Coltharp
EDITOR
Beth Sitzler
C R U C E S
2005 Las Cruces
“Business of the Year”
CONTRIBUTORS
Pat Taylor
Stephen L. Wilmeth
DESIGN
Rachel Courtney, manager
Theresa Montoya Basaldua,
art director
Ramon Gonzalez
Jessica Grady
Steven Parra
Rafael Torres
Jeanette Ambriz
Administrative Assistant
2013
B
racias, grazzie, arrigato,
merci, tack, diolch –
there are many ways to
say “thank you.”
Thank you for trusting us
to be your No. 1 chamber of
commerce in Las Cruces. We
appreciate the opportunity
to serve you as a source of
networking and also as a voice
that advocates for business
and economic development in
Las Cruces and southern New
Mexico.
As this year closes, I thought
this list from a New York Times
article on entrepreneurial success LESLIE CERVANTES
was a great reminder of the
fabulous skill sets our business leaders possess.
1. Look for opportunities to do something better than just about
everyone else.
2. Accept risk as a necessary evil.
3. Act responsibly to customers, employees and vendors.
4. Goals aren’t enough. You need a plan, and to execute the plan.
5. You need to fix the plan as you go. Learn from your mistakes.
6. Do not reinvent the wheel. Learn from others.
7. Make sure the math works. If the math doesn’t work, neither
does the business.
8. Make sure that every employee understands and works toward
the mission.
9. There are going to be difficult times and you need to be
resilient; whining is a waste of time.
10. There will be sacrifices. Work to find a balance - it’s not about
the income, it’s about the outcome.
I personally want to let you know how gratifying it was to
serve as your chair. I am truly humbled by the commitment so
many of you have to stimulating business in Las Cruces. With
your support we were able to have another successful year for the
Chamber. We look forward to a prosperous 2014.
Happy holidays to all.
Stan Rounds
Las Cruces Public Schools
Chamber
Staff
FROM THE PRESIDENT
FROM THE CHAIR
ADVERTISING
Shellie McNabb, manager
Amy DuClair
Claire Frohs
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
December 7 & 8
Fine Arts • Homemade Crafts • Over 115 Booths • La Casa Cupboard featuring Homemade Goodies
Raffle of Unique Items • Return of The Man Cave • New Desert Harmony Singers Perform Sat. at 1 p.m.
All proceeds benefit La Casa Domestic Violence Services
Thank you to our Sponsors:
PLUMBERS
2 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
LA CASA
,V INC.
D
PROGRAMS FOR OMESTIC IOLENCE
VICTIMS & OFFENDERS
BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2013
Roberto’s Mexican Food
908 E. AMADOR AVE. • 523-1851
Mission:
To expand business and serve more
locations in Las Cruces.
Purpose:
Roberto’s first started as a tortilla
business and then wanted to offer
homemade Mexican food. Roberto’s
purpose is to provide great-tasting,
traditional Mexican food.
Key goals:
To expand to different locations, which
has become difficult due to the economy.
History:
Roberto’s Mexican Food has been
serving the Las Cruces area for more than
50 years. Roberto’s started by making
tortillas and tortillas chips, which evolved
to also making Mexican food.
NOMINEES
February
Prestige Realty - L. Szaly
March
Kraenzal’s Landscaping
April
Amaro Winery
May
LNG Company
June
Advanced Hearing
Key people to know:
Roberto Estrada, owner of Roberto’s.
His sons, Ronnie and Chris, and daughter,
Yvette. Roberto appreciates the hard work
all his family puts into the business.
Events and activities:
The Whole Enchilada Fiesta, the
Mariachi Conference and involvement
with the schools in the community.
Future plans:
To provide great authentic Mexican
food to more locations, but, at the moment,
Roberto’s has these plans on hold due to
the economy.
Roberto Estrada, owner of Robertos Mexican Food, instructs helpers during the 2013 The Whole
Enchilada Fiesta as he prepares his world famous “largest’ enchilada. The big enchilada has become a
tradition and a favorite during the long-standing fiesta.
SEND IN YOUR VOTE FOR
2013 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
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
______________________________________________________________
July
Haciendas at Grace Village
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
6. Support of the strategic vision of the Chamber
August
N’ Compass Group
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
2. Participation in community activities
______________________________________________________________
September
Helping Hands Event Planning
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
October
Arbonne - L Smart
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
November
Legal Shield
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later than
Jan. 1, 2014, or by mail to P. O. Box 519, Las Cruces, NM 88004-0519, or by fax at
527-5546.
December
Beck’s Coffee
______________________________________________________________
*For additional space, attach to a separate sheet of paper.
3. Promotion of business progress in community
THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 3
Commissioner Leticia Duarte-Benavidez
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner Wayne Hancock
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner Karen Perez
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner David Garcia
Mayor Pro-Tem Sharon Thomas
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Commissioner Billy Garrett
Councillor Gill Sorg
Y N
Y
Y
Y
Y
N NA
Y
Y
Y
Y
NA Y
N Y
Councillor Miguel Silva
Councillor Nathan Small
'
'
N
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Councillor Olga Pedroza
The chamber is working to ensure the
Mesilla Valley is a pro-jobs environment
and will help identify pro-jobs elected
officials who are assisting in that goal. Each
month, this page will contain the chamber’s
pro-jobs scorecard for elected officials with
voting information on ordinances at the city
and county level.
City of Las Cruces Minimum Wage Increase Resolution
'
&
'
'
&
&
Councillor Greg Smith
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (park)
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (rescind roads, drainage)
Resolution for Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument
City of Las Cruces Impact Fees (public safety)
Resolution for Expanded Informed Consent Legislation
CLC/DAC Support Annual Funding for MVEDA
Doña Ana County Noise Ordinance
City of Las Cruces Security Alarm Ordinance
Mayor Ken Miyagishima
Discussion Item
Pro-Jobs
Pro-jobs scorecard for City of Las Cruces & Doña Ana County elected officials
Y
Y
Y
-
-
N
Y
Y
-
-
N
Y
Y
-
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.
NOMINEES
February 2013
AmeriCom
March 2013
Sagecrest
SEND IN YOUR VOTE FOR
2013 Business of the Year
Business name: ___________________________________________________
4. Professional development and advancement opportunities for employees
April 2013
AT&T
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
May 2013
FirstLight FCU
Phone number: ___________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Contact person in the business: ________________________________________
5. Demonstration of leadership in business community
June 2013
Jaynes Corp
Nominator (no anonymous nominations will be accepted): ______________________
______________________________________________________________
Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria. Give specific examples for each.
______________________________________________________________
July 2013
Hotel Encanto de Las Cruces
1. Contributions to community welfare
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
August 2013
Bravo Mic Communications
______________________________________________________________
6. Support of the strategic vision of the Chamber
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
September 2013
Positive Energy Solar
2. Participation in community activities
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
October 2013
Sisbarro
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
November 2013
CenturyLink
3. Promotion of business progress in community
December 2013
Roberto’s Mexican Food
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later than
Jan. 1, 2014, 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.
4 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
______________________________________________________________
MILITARY
Veterans honored at WSMR
1950s event remembered by soldiers then and now
By First Lt. John Brannon
2nd Engineer Battalion
White Sands Missile Range
Amid gunfire, explosions and the whistles of the charging Chinese divisions, the
Soldiers of the 2nd Engineer Battalion
stood at attention as flames engulfed the
Battalion Colors, one last act of defiance before being overwhelmed by the enemy.
This moment, perhaps the defining moment of the battalion’s history, occurred on
Nov. 30, 1950, near the small village of Kunu
Ri, North Korea. The battalion fought virtually to destruction, and only 265 soldiers and
one officer answered roll call after the battle.
The rest were killed in action or captured as
prisoners of war.
On Friday, Nov. 22, the soldiers of the
2nd Engineer Battalion gathered with veterans of the battle to commemorate the
bravery and sacrifice shown that fateful
night by reenacting the last desperate moments before the battalion was overrun. The
10 veterans joining the battalion traveled
from across the country to stand with their
Leadership
Las Cruces
took cash
and needed
items to the
Mesilla Valley
Community
of Hope
after their
graduation
Friday,
Nov. 8.
Leadership class graduates
Alums return for celebration, donations given
Friday, Nov. 8, the 2013 Leadership
Las Cruces class went through its final
bit of professional development before celebrating graduation from the
nine-month program.
The class was joined by more than
20 alums from the program, going back
as far as 1992. One of the great things
about this program is that friendships
are formed during the class that seem to
last forever and expand with the growing
number of alumni.
In addition to the graduation ceremonies, the class finished their community project by delivering blankets,
sleeping bags, supplies and much needed
cash to the Mesilla Valley Community
of Hope. With the recent cold spell,
these gifts could not have come at a better time.
Thanks go out to sponsors of this
year’s class – Memorial Medical Center,
Citizens Bank, US Bank and the
Rehabilitation Hospital of Southern
New Mexico– and the volunteers that
facilitate the classes, Audrey Evins, Sue
Cerny, Janet Acosta Clifton and Mike
Walczak.
Information for Leadership Las
Cruces class of 2014 is available at
the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce and the January Bottom Line.
successors. All served in the 2nd Engineer
Battalion during the Korean War.
The ceremony marked the culmination of events over two days, all connecting
the soldiers of the 2nd Engineer Combat
Battalion of 1950 to the soldiers of 2nd
Engineer Battalion today. On Thursday,
Nov. 21, the senior leaders of the battalion
hosted a potluck dinner to welcome the
veterans and their families to White Sands
Missile Range.
The following morning, the veterans
toured the battalion’s motor pool to see the
tools of today’s combat engineers used on
the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan to
detect and clear improvised explosive devices.
On Friday afternoon, the veterans stopped
by the White Sands School to speak to several classes of students and share their stories. As the pool of surviving veterans of the
Korean War grows ever smaller, the chance
to connect to the youngest generations of
Americans becomes more and more crucial.
The veterans told of their experiences, from
time in prisoner of war camps to the memories of coming home from war, passing on a
part of our nation’s history not often covered.
As darkness fell on Nov. 22, the battalion
gathered on the parade field once more for
the Burning of the Colors. This year, however, provided a unique opportunity to connect
today’s soldiers with their predecessors as
Col.(Ret.) Lawrence Farnum, who assumed
command of the battalion after the battle,
and Lt. Col. Robert Nehrling, who served
as battalion S1 and was captured at Kunu
Ri, helped Lt. Col James Koeppen, current
2d Engineer Battalion commander, present
the Purple Heart and Army Commendation
Medal with Valor to Soldiers of the 595th
Sapper Company, for actions and wounds
suffered during their service in Afghanistan
this year.
As the ceremony began, Koeppen spoke
briefly of the courage shown that night in
1950, saying, “Very few commanders order
the burning of their colors. Doing so is an
acknowledgement that they are in a desperate and all-but-hopeless situation. Not
many know that feeling.”
Maj. (Ret.) Arden Rowley spoke on
Photo by Drew Hamilton
Command Sgt. Maj. Devardy Arnold holds the
burning colors, reenacting the events of Nov. 30,
1950.
behalf of the veterans, saying, “If those
who suffered in combat could see what the
Republic of Korea is today, I’m certain they
would all say, ‘Yes, our sacrifice was worth
it.’”
As the ceremony continued, machine
gun fire and explosions from all sides recreated the atmosphere of Nov. 30, 1950.
While a quartet from the 1st Armored
Division Band played “Nearer My God to
Thee,” the 2d Engineer Battalion Command
Sgt. Maj. Devardy Arnold held the battalion colors and a hundred years of campaign
streamers, as they burned to ashes before the
assembled soldiers.
As he read the final roll call, the veterans
called out in response to their names, and
current soldiers answered for the fallen and
captured. The battalion stood and rendered
honors to all those claimed by the battle,
before posting the Colors for the battalion’s
continued service.
The night concluded as all ceremonies
should, with drinks and storytelling among
soldiers old and new. As time marches on,
traditions such as this form the bonds between soldiers that allow us to overcome any
odds and meet any foe. T
his ceremony is held yearly, at home
and abroad, in peace and in war. No matter
what the future holds for the 2nd Engineer
Battalion, its legacy of bravery and sacrifice
will never be forgotten.
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THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 5
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2013
Casa de Peregrinos Emergency Food Program
999 W. AMADOR AVE. SUITE F • 523-5542 • WWW.CASADEPEREGRINOS.ORG
Mission:
Casa de Peregrinos (Casa), a nonprofit
and nondenominational emergency food
program, provides free supplemental
groceries to individuals and families at
risk of hunger in Las Cruces and Doña
Ana County. Our mission is to serve
as a safety link for those unable
to purchase nutritious food
due to an emergency or
unforeseen personal
crisis. As part of that
mission, we also
commit ourselves
to promoting public
awareness of hunger
in Doña Ana County
and to securing broadbased support for hunger
prevention and relief in the
county.
Purpose:
To be a resource for those struggling
through poverty and low-income
situations for not only food and nutrition,
but other services they may need to know
about throughout our communities, as
well as to build a strong relationship
with our volunteers, donors and business
partners.
At Casa, we firmly believe that the less
fortunate people in our community are
the community’s responsibility and we
are proud to do our part, we cannot do
this without the community’s continued
support.
Food is a basic need no one should do
without.
Key goals:
To build sustainability as well as
strengthening our current programs. As
we continue to grow, we must also get
better at what we do and expand on the
current programs in place.
History:
In April 1979, four compassionate La
Mesa residents and a couple of sisters
from Holy Cross Catholic Church
founded Casa with $3,000 and
a vision: To provide shelter,
a food-and-clothing bank
and cooperative activities
for the homeless. Three
years later, Casa set up
an advisory committee,
which decided to
narrow Casa’s focus to
food distribution.
Over time, this
committee evolved into a
board of directors, reaching out
to other faiths and organizations
for support and volunteers and moving
Casa toward its ultimate identity as
an autonomous, nondenominational
organization.
In August 1987, the organization
received its nonprofit status from the
IRS, having previously filed Articles of
Incorporation in 1983.
By December 2005, Casa moved into
its present facility on the Mesilla Valley
Community of Hope campus at 999 W.
Amador Ave., Suite F. There, paid and
volunteer staff provide emergency food to
those in need, referring applicants to other
community resources when they require
such assistance.
In the years since its founding, Casa
has provided more than 1 million food
distributions to hungry people. In 2012,
it distributed more than 1 million pounds
of food in one year for the first time. Casa
is a critical link in the safety chain for
many people. Casa will provide food and
Casa de Peregrinos was awarded the New Mexico Community Foundation’s 2013 CHISPA
AWARD (A spark shining a light in our community). Helping to brighten the future of New
Mexico. It also came with $7,000 awarded to Casa. Pictured are Lorenzo Alba Jr., Executive
Director; Bernadine Dallago, Board Secretary; Joyce Campbell-Layman, Board Treasurer; Dr.
Tom Packard, Board Chair; and Renee Villareal, New Mexico Community Foundation Director of
Programs and Community Outreach.
advocacy for those in need until hunger
goes out of business in Doña Ana County.
Casa is proud of their local and rural
programs that serve families throughout
Doña Ana County.
Key people to know:
Lorenzo Alba Jr. – Executive Director
Future plans:
Casa plans to streamline its operation
in order to better serve the hungry in the
communities. It is also building toward
sustainability, which will be crucial in the
next few years. Casa wants to ensure the
families it serve that we will be there for
them.
Live life brightly.
POWERONepe.com
6 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
CONQUISTADORE CORNER
Conquistadores keep growing
Members participate in numerous events throughout year
W
hat an amazing year!
I am happy to report
the Conquistadores
have participated in more than 75
ribbon cuttings/ground breakings
and more than 40 Greater Las
Cruces Chamber of Commerce
special events. This group is always around and always willing to
help serve this community.
Throughout the year, we have
grown our membership to almost
70 members – and we are still
growing! The Conquistadores play
a vital role in member retention,
recruitment, education of benefits
and mentoring new businesses.
I would like to thank our
Executive Council: Rick Jackson,
Sarah Stegall, Charissa Paskowski,
Mary Iadicicco, Karissa Doan,
Kari Shepan, Bruce Drum, Leslie
Martinez, David Telford and Troy
Tudor. It has been an honor to
lead the Conquistadore group
with each of you. You all have a
heart of gold and a level of dedication that is hard to explain in
words. Thank you all for the time,
laughs, tears, support and smiles.
We did it!
I am honored to welcome
Jackson and his new team to the
council. He is a great leader and
with the support of his council
they will keep the ball rolling
and continue the successes of our
group and the Chamber.
2013 may be coming to
a close, but the work of the
Conquistadores is not. We are
working hard on the plans for our
2014 Las Cruces Day in Santa Fe.
Please visit our website at www.
lcdsf.com for all of the details
and registration process. We will
be hosting this event at the El
Dorado Hotel Feb. 1-4, 2014.
A huge thank you to our
2014 sponsors: MountainView
Regional Medical Center, City of
Las Cruces, Doña Ana County,
New Mexico State University,
Comcast, US Bank, Las Cruces
Public Schools, Enterprise
Rent-A-Car, Marron and
Associates, American Document
Services, The Game Sports Bar &
Grill and The Las Cruces Bulletin
for their generous support.
Happy holidays and Happy
New Year.
STACIE ALLEN
Stacie Allen,
Chair of the Council of
Conquistadores 2013
Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce
Everything you want to
know about Las Cruces
NOW AVAILABLE
840 N. TELSHOR BLVD. SUITE E • 575.524.8061
THE KEY
TO YOUR HEALTH
BEGINS WITH OUR
QUALITY
CARE
2013 Top Performer on Joint Commission
Key Quality Measures
Memorial Medical Center has been named as one of the nation’s Top Performers on
Key Quality Measures ® by the Joint Commission, the leading accreditor of health
care organizations in America. We are proud to be recognized for achievement on the
following measure sets:
Heart Attack • Heart Failure • Pneumonia
MMC is one of only seven hospitals in New Mexico earning
the distinction of Top Performer on Key Quality Measures for
attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure
performance. Thanks to our team for a job well done.
THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 7
SEND IN YOUR VOTE FOR
Citizen of
the Year
Citizen of the Year: _______________________________
Address: _____________________________________
Phone number: _________________________________
Nominator (No anonymous nominations will be accepted): ___
____________________________________________
Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria.
Give specific examples for each.
1. Participation in community activities and civic enterprises
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
2. Contributions and service for the welfare and betterment of the
community ____________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
3. Leadership within the community
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
4. Cooperation with individuals and civic organizations
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
5. Previous awards
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
____________________________________________
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, 2014, 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.
AGRICULTURE
Enhance the resource
Agriculture leads the water development process
By Stephen L. Wilmeth
The annual state water conference
was held in Albuquerque Thursday and
Friday, Nov. 21-22.
More than 300 interested people
attended for the two-day event. Gov.
Susana Martinez, along with a cast of
more than 40 speakers, presented topics of interest and importance to the
state of New Mexico water outlook.
The discussions centered largely
on policy solutions of water shortages,
conservation and what only can be
described as the new age spear points
– hope and blame. There was even a
presentation with hope in the topic
heading.
Similarly, there could be no escaping the element of blame that has
become normal and customary in discussions of water supplies when global
warming or climate change is tediously
led back into the spotlight for yet another encore. The primary issue remains the same: It is time to enhance
the water supply.
Agriculture has always led the development of water projects. Whether
the project was an irrigation project or
a simple diversion for a power source,
the driving force was food related.
Such projects were not formulated
on a whim. They arose from a fundamental absence of infrastructure to
produce a food product. All other peripheral uses arose as a result of the primary objective.
The time has passed to address that
same fundamental need for this county’s future.
As a representative of the Doña
Ana Soil and Water Conservation
District (DASWCD), I was asked to
speak on behalf of the board on issues
that addressed watershed health and
water quality in our district.
In the request was the requirement
to introduce a concept that offered an
enhancement to the water supply and
infrastructure for the New Mexico
system. DASWCD took the invitation seriously and concentrated on the
matter of resource enhancement. The
board offered three concepts.
The first is best described as “minimize runoff and maximize retention.”
The subject matter is monsoonal moisture, since the majority of our New
Mexico precipitation falls during the
summer monsoon season.
The real world application begins
with the land stewards who are most
directly affected by the monsoonal sequences: The ranchers of this county.
Their actions, long-term planning and
capital investments must always elevate
the matters of minimizing runoff and
maximizing retention of that moisture.
That group is joined by Elephant
Butte Irrigation District (EBID).
EBID receives storm water, routes it
into infrastructure facilities and converts the runoff into beneficial uses.
That becomes either supplemental supply for irrigation or aquifer recharge.
The second recommendation reflected aquifer health and the need for
a physical, subterranean water banking
system within our county. Water banking is not a concept. Rather, it is a foregone alternative for surface storage. It
exists in practice and works very well,
especially under the modern conditions of environmental assault on any
suggestion of surface storage enhancement. Where the water comes from is
another matter, but any future water
supply enhancement must be matched
with physical water banking.
The third recommendation is more
revolutionary. It comes from a white
paper done by DASWCD board member, retired Commander John Smith,
when he was the executive director of
the Range Commanders Council at
White Sands Missile Range.
The concept took Sea of Cortez
water, distilled it in a series of nuclear reactors and pumped it north to
Nevada, where Sen. Harry Reid was
considering amethodology of replacing or enhancing Las Vegas municipal
potable water for the future.
In the case of Doña Ana County,
the water would be sourced similarly
in the Sea of Cortez and routed north
through a pipeline within the rail rightof-way that links the Port of Guaymus
and the largest inland port in the world
being constructed at Santa Teresa. The
heat source for distillation would come
from the 300 degree water and rock
formations at 12,000 feet under every
square foot of this county. The salt byproduct would be dumped into brine
deposits at similar depths.
The water, too expensive for agricultural uses, would become a primary
source of potable water for future demands in the Rio Grande corridor. It
would represent not a temporal supply
for future depletion, but an ocean of
permanent water for a parched land.
DASWCD believes that primary
matters of future water supply cannot
be solved locally, but the foundation
for future supply enhancements can
and must come from local directives.
This county is blessed with a union of
land stewards and the high standards
of management and infrastructure investments of EBID.
The first two legs of future water
are within our grasp. The third leg is
more difficult, but it represents a real
and opportunistic method to secure a
source of water, permanent and beyond
measure.
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8 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
SMALL BUSINESS OF THE MONTH - DECEMBER 2013
Beck’s Coffee LLC
PO BOX 1064, MESILLA, NM 88047 • 556-9850 • WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BECKSCOFFEE
Mission:
To roast and brew the best coffee in
the Las Cruces area, while providing
unparalleled customer service and variety.
Purpose:
To provide our neighbors with a local
coffee that is smooth and flavorful, never
over-roasted, and which can serve as an
alternative to chain stores at a reasonable
price.
Key goals:
To continue bringing new blends and
varieties of coffee to market; to work with
NOMINEES
February 2013
Innovate+Educate
March 2013
Downtown LC Partnership
local artists and other businesses in mutually
beneficial collaborations; to introduce new
technologies and methods of interaction
to our current clients, allowing them to
increase their knowledge and appreciation
of our products; to be a vital part of our
local economy and the community we love.
History:
Rebecca “Beck” Rosnick opened Beck’s
Coffee, working out of her home, in 2010.
She was soon able to purchase a professional
roaster and expand her business. In August,
Tyrell Thacker was trained as roaster and
Beck was able to head off to Australia to be
with her family.
Key people to know:
Tyrell Thacker, head roaster and brew
master. Tyrell is the primary contact for
business and individual deliveries, special
orders and Beck’s booth at the Las Cruces
Farmers & Crafts Market. His fiancé,
Arianna Parsons, assists and supports him
with administration and marketing when
not working at Positive Energy Solar.
Events and activities:
Wednesdays and Saturdays at the Las
Cruces Farmers & Crafts Market
Tyrell Thacker is the head roaster and brew
master of Beck’s Coffee LLC.
Future plans:
To open a brick-and-mortar space in
Downtown Las Cruces, to provide high
quality jobs and assist in the economic
development of Main Street.
SEND IN YOUR VOTE FOR
2013 Nonprofit of the Year
Nonprofit name: ____________________________________________
3. Development and training of volunteers____________________________
Address: _________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Phone number: _____________________________________________
________________________________________________________
June 2013
Tresco
Contact person in organization:___________________________________
4. Years of service to the community _______________________________
Nominator: (no anonymous recommendations will be accepted)
________________________________________________________
July 2013
Progessive Resdiential Services of NM
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Please write brief paragraphs on the following criteria.
________________________________________________________
August 2013
Honor Flight of SNM
Give specific examples of each.
5. Cooperation with other organizations _____________________________
1. Diversity and depth of services offered _____________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
April 2013
March of Dimes
May 2013
NM Spaceport Authority
September 2013
The Bair Foundation
October 2013
Turning Point
________________________________________________________
November 2013
DA County Reading Foundation
2. Impact and contributions to the community _________________________
December 2013
Casa de Peregrinos
________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce no later
than Jan. 1, 2014, 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.
________________________________________________________
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THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 9
JUNIOR LEADERSHIP LAS CRUCES CLASS OF 2013-14
The 201314 Junior
Leadership
group visited
the New
Mexico State
University’s
Leyendecker
Experiment
Station as
part of its day
of agriculture
Thursday,
Nov. 14.
Junior leaders learn about agriculture
Trips show the ins and outs of the many ag facets
The 2013-14 Junior Leadership group
started its nine-month course learning
about agriculture Thursday, Nov. 14.
Agriculture is all around the community,
and it is amazing the work that is being done
in Doña Ana County. When the group was
asked what they thought of when they heard
the word “agriculture,” farming and ranching
were the common responses. Even though
the group was correct, there is so much more
to agriculture. What about agribusiness management, research, communications, production, building and construction and resource
development? There are so many career
Unexpected guests. Family. Craving a home cooked meal.
You
deserve
a Winter Home
Join in the FUN at Picacho Hills!
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available, starting at $230 per month.*
6861 Via Campestre, Las Cruces, NM
575.523.8641 • www.picachohillscc.com
*Certain restrictions apply. Please call for details.
10 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
pathways focusing on agriculture.
The group was first welcomed by Tracey
Carrillo, assistant director and senior program
manager at New Mexico State University’s
Leyendecker Experiment Station. There,
participants learned how the small cotton
seed can produce multiple products and
create a cycle of economic impact. One
cotton seed can produce cotton for
clothes, the cotton seed meal can
produce healthy snacks, the oil
can be used for cooking and
waste from the used oil can
be turned into biodiesel fuel.
The cycle is always evolving,
and nothing from the cotton
seed/plant is wasted.
The Leyendecker
Experiment Station
doesn’t stop there – it
now has an aqua culture production of farmraised Pacific white shrimp.
At this lab, researchers have four pools of
production. Each pool will produce 500
pounds of shrimp. The public can purchase
this fresh, farm-raised shrimp from 8 a.m.
to noon Saturdays at 200 College Drive.
Shrimp can also be ordered by calling the
station at 639-5110.
What is New Mexico agriculture without chile? Next the group met with Danise
Coon at the NMSU Chile Pepper Institute.
The Chile Pepper Institute is the only international, nonprofit organization devoted to education and research related to
Capsicum, or chile peppers. At the institute,
the students learned about the research, education and production of chile peppers and
the business-retail side of the product.
At the teaching garden, there are more
than 150 types of chile peppers the institute
is producing. The shops contained research
chile posters, chile pepper cookbooks, art,
chile pepper plants and more. The best part
of the visit was sampling different types of
chile pepper sauces and other cooking products. It was nice to share the tour with our
taste buds.
Participants were lucky to have time with
Matt Rush, executive vice-president for the
New Mexico President Farm & Livestock
Bureau and a current board of director
with the Greater Las Cruces Chamber
of Commerce. Rush shared with the
students his first-hand experience
of growing up on his family
ranch and how he has turned
that into his career.
“If you eat, then you are
part of agriculture,” Rush
said.
Agriculture is part
of producing all types
of food – meat, fruit and
vegetables. Throughout his
experiences in the agricultural business, he shared an important statement with the group: “Get over
yourself.”
No matter what type of business we are
part of, if we get over ourselves we can be
more, do more and know more. In return, we
will never miss an opportunity. Rush’s words
left a lasting impact that the group could relate to.
The group wrapped up the day of agriculture at the New Mexico Farm & Ranch
Heritage Museum. LuAnn Kilday, museum
education coordinator, gave a tour of the animals living at the museum, leather-making
techniques, how farming equipment evolved
in time and history of agriculture in the state
of New Mexico.
The goal was to open the world of agriculture to the students, and it did just that.
It is more than farming and ranching – it
is a way of life on all levels. One of these
students may look into agriculture as his or
her future career.
BUSINESS AFTER HOURS
Teresa Frederick, Laura Huybers-Pierce, Nora Lancaster, Pamela Fletcher, Tracie Martin-Butler, Mary Ann
Hesse, Javier Casillas, Stacey Dacar and Jon Drury of Comcast Spotlight take part in the October Business
After Hours Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
Julie Maager with Good Samaritan Society and Deborah Quackenbush with Hester Agency-Allstate
Boys & Girls Club of Las Cruces Chief Professional Officer/Executive Director Ashley Echavarria and Mark
Castillo with Cardinal Healthcare
Mark Lewis, Dennis Raffaelli and Dennis Provenzano enjoy Business After Hours Thursday, Nov. 7, at
Pro’s Ranch Market.
Chamber Office Manager Liz Banegas, Rick Provenzano of Pro’s Ranch Market, Pro’s Ranch Market
CEO/President Mike Provenzano and Chamber Vice President of Development Troy Tudor
Judy Tipton of The Village at Northrise and Susan Palmer of Mesilla Valley Mall learn how to make
tamales at Business After Hours.
THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 11
RIBBON CUTTINGS
ARABELLA’S – Oct. 25, 1750 Calle de Mercado – Jay Harmon, general manager, holds the
proclamation while Roxanna Gates, owner, cuts the ribbon. Not pictured is owner Charles Gates.
ARBORS OF DEL REY – Nov. 12, 3731 Del Rey Blvd. - Public Relations Director Michael
Manzanares holds the proclamation while Executive Director Tony Trevizo cuts the ribbon.
CORNER BAKERY CAFÉ – Oct. 26, 2305 E. Lohman Ave. – Catering Manager Renee Crocker
holds the proclamation while general manager Adrian Perez cuts the ribbon.
GLITZ INC. – Nov. 22 , 315 S. Telshor Blvd. – Deserey Ramirez, first official student, holds the
proclamation while President Liz Quiñones cuts the ribbon.
INDELIBLE ENTERPRISES – Nov. 22 – CEO/Founder Dr. Julie Seton holds the proclamation while
Marketing Director & Business Advisor Katie Ham cuts the ribbon at a ceremony at the chamber office.
The duo is joined by Dr. Bob Sanderson, science and technical director.
RIO GRANDE ESTATE SALES LLC – Nov. 8 - Owner Mark Leitch holds the proclamation while
Bill Pegan, general manager, cuts the ribbon.
RENEE’S BRIDAL – Nov.19, 2001 E. Lohman Ave. – Owner
Camille Stone holds the proclamation while manager Roxanne Kidd
cuts the ribbon.
12 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
MOUNTAIN SHADOWS HOME CARE INC. – Nov. 21,
800 N. Telshor Blvd. – Executive Director Regina Frost holds the
proclamation while President/owner Greg Handy cuts the ribbon.
THE LAS CRUCES SLEEP CENTER – Nov. 14, 1155 Commerce
Drive – Chief Operating Officer Dominic Melendrez holds the
proclamation while Chief Executive Officer Andrew Melendrez cuts
the ribbon.
New Members
Arabella’s
Charles Gates
526-1313
Estrada Law, P.C.
Aurelia Maxey
556-2462
Aztec Algae LLC
Jeffrey Scott
520-2669
Prestige Development
Group Inc.
Michael J. Dixson
532-9779
State Farm Insurance
– Ben Trujillo
Ben Trujillo
382-3636
State Farm Insurance
– Jennifer Johnson
Jennifer Johnson
524-0237
State Farm Insurance
– Kent Byers
Kent Byers
523-7881
Mike Parr
305-5280
The Las Cruces Sleep Center
Andrew Melendrez
647-5337
State Farm Insurance
– Mike Parr
Renewing Members
Coordinated Home
Health Care
Mark A. Castillo
Fiesta Motors Inc.
Amir Esmaeili
Gift Baskets by G
Georgia Lane
Century 21 Haggerty
Co. Realtor
Brian Burds
Corner Bakery Café
Renee Crocker
Hacienda RV Resort
Jenny Clute
Charles-Fleming
Construction Inc.
Wendy Charles
David Dean and
Associates Inc.
David Dean
Hakes Brothers LLC
Kimball Hakes
Children’s Reading
Foundation of Doña
Ana County
Maria Flores
Clifford, Ross, &
Cooper LLC
Denise Cooper
Coas Books Inc.
Michael Beckett
Doña Ana County
Humane Society
Kathy Lawitz
Econo Pro Painters LLC
Tim Waters
Everett &
Boetticher, P.C.
Wendy Boetticher
Heritage Assisted Living
Jay Robb
High Range Village
Apartments
Connie Nuñez
Hilton Garden Inn
Carol (Annie) Jackson
Holiday Inn Express
– Las Cruces North
Victor Delgado
Sun City Plumbing
& Heating
Jason Olguin
Los Compas Cafe
Margarita Gutierrez
Hub International
Insurance Services
Cathy Hauge
Humana MarketPoint
Laura Nebhan
Mesilla Valley Economic
Development Alliance
Davin Lopez
Jose Hernandez, M.D.
Jose Hernandez, M.D.
MVT Services Inc.
Luis Garcia
K. Interiors
Kathy Faubion
Office Depot
Ivan Resendez
Kemp Smith LLP
Michael McQueen
Payment 1 Financial
Matthew Gaddy
KTSM Television
Gary Sotir
PNM-Public
Service Company
of New Mexico
Tom Price
The Village at Northrise
Judy Tipton
Sagecrest Nursing &
Rehabilitation Center
Lupe Rios
Trust Properties /
FRILC LLC
Angela Potter
Sonoma Springs
Presbyterian Church
Timothy Smith
Warren Construction
Inc.
Steve Warren
L and M Radiator Inc.
Jerry Norlander
Las Cruces Abstract
& Title Co.
Elvia Romero
Lithia Dodge of
Las Cruces
Vincent Armijo
...at your fingertips in print
Happyne’s
ValenDtiay
Love
,/#!,.%73!.$%.4%24!).-%.43).#%s777,!3#25#%3"5,,%4).#/-s&2)$!9&%"25!29
City backs
new casino
attempt
Council votes 6-1
to keep idea alive
By Todd G. Dickson
Las Cruces Bulletin
See Casino on page A11
Deadline for candidates to file in
statewide elections is Tuesday, Feb.
14, which include races for Congress.
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Las Cruces Bulletin photo
by Nicolas Bañales
r
Mesilla disputes Restored truck
LULAC charges honors soldiers
CLICK
HERE
Officials: Police
don’t practice
racial profiling
By Todd G. Dickson
Las Cruces Bulletin
In a press conference Friday, Feb. 3, Mesilla’s mayor and
marshal tried to discredit claims
made about law enforcement engaging in racial profiling in the
tourist town whose residents are
predominantly Hispanic.
The Mesilla officials are trying to counter publicity from a
letter issued by the state League
of United Latin America Citizens
(LULAC) that claims its organization has received numerous
complaints about racial profiling
in the town.
Mesilla Mayor Nora Barraza
said she spoke with Marshal Jeff
Gray, who was at the press conference, about the accusations.
Gray said he also spoke with his
officers and could find no verification there is racial profiling
going on.
The LULAC claims revolve
around a grant to the marshal’s
departments from Homeland
Security as part of the controversial Operation Stonegarden,
which has used local law enforcement to assist with immigration
enforcement.
Gray said the three-year
$184,000 grant helps pay for
overtime to officers and equipment to allow the department
to have more patrols. A person’s
See Mesilla on page A13
WHAT’S INSIDE
Who’s running
in NM vote
6/,5-%s.5-"%2
A
taste of
‘It’s like Bruce
coming home,’
widow says
By Todd G. Dickson
Las Cruces Bulletin
Opinions............................ A4-6
Coming Up ........................ A8-9
Sports ............................ A19-25
Looking Back ..................... A26
Senior Activities ................. A29
Obituaries .......................... A31
Business ................... B1-8,10-11
Legals ......................... B9,12-19
For more info
th e e
n
Las Cruces City Council voted 6-1
Monday, Feb. 6, to give its blessings to the
proposal to open an American Indian casino in Anthony, N.M.
Rubén Smith, a former Las Cruces
mayor who has been an early supporter
of the casino project, told the council the
casino project is still alive.
Last fall, an Interior Department official rejected an application by the Jemez
Pueblo for an off-reservation casino in
Anthony, N.M. The problem with that
action, Smith said, was the pueblo was
still working on its Environmental Impact Statement as part of the application
process.
“The Interior Department didn’t follow its own procedures,” Smith said.
As a result of the news about the Interior Department’s rejection of the application, Smith said, “there is a public
perception that the project is dead, but
the reality is that it is very much alive.”
The pueblo and its supporters were
able to convince the Interior Department
to allow the pueblo to resubmit its application, Smith said, putting the process
back in motion.
Located in the mountains northwest
of Albuquerque, Jemez Pueblo has been
trying to get approval to open an offreservation casino in Anthony, N.M. The
pueblo doesn’t have natural resources
– such as gas or timber – to use for economic support, and its location is off
main interstates and state highways.
Smith, who is also a former lawmaker,
said he never supported bills related to
American Indian casinos, but he is a proponent of this project because of the economic “win-win” potential for the pueblo
and southern New Mexico residents.
Jemez has been working with Santa
Fe art dealer Gerald Peters to develop a
$55 million casino and hotel in Anthony,
N.M.
NEXT WEEK
The Lodge Resort
at Cloudcroft
Mandi Smaga
d
ea
Check out the entire Bulletin, its archives and our
annual publications, FREE, in e-edition at
www.lascrucesbulletin.com
Templeton Marketing
Don Templeton
Jim Bradley
suffers stroke
Sports
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Sarah Stegall
The Local Pages
Kim Bogdn
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BBVA Compass Bank
Hector Villegas
Community Foundation
of Southern New Mexico
Luan Wagner Burn
Farm Bureau Financial
Services – Telshor
Boulevard Branch
Shane Butler
an
ASA Architects
Ted Shelton Jr.
Comfort Suites
Ayde Martinez
Escorted by the Patriot Guard
Riders to its permanent base in a
rural home on Snow Road, a semi
delivered a gleaming and beautifully restored 1959 Chevy Apache
truck Friday, Feb. 3, to the widow
and family of an officer killed in
Afghanistan in 2008.
Before his deployment, Capt.
Bruce Hays of the Army National
Guard in Wyoming had bought
the pickup truck as an anniversary gift for his wife, Terry, a native of Anthony, N.M., who he
first met when they were both
e Bulletin
tir
Applied Technology
Associates
Tiffany Sevieri
For more information
about the Bruce Hays
project, visit www.
captainhays
apacheproject.com.
students at New Mexico State
University.
The couple was married 17
years ago and have five children.
Originally from Capitan, N.M.,
Bruce Hays worked at the Army
Research Lab at White Sands
Missile Range when he was a college student.
In 1996, he graduated from
NMSU with a degree in soil science. He was a surveyor with
the USDA Soil Service until he
was offered a commission in the
See Truck on page A12
BUSINESS
Classifieds............................B19
Movies ........................ C7,18-19
Restaurant Guide ......... C10-11
TV Listings ..................... C13-16
Brain Games .......................C17
Health & Well Being ....D1-5, 8
Church ............................... D6-7
Chile Knights ......................E11
El Paso Electric
breaks ground
on power plant
expansion
THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 13
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SCHEDULE
DECEMBER 2013
Sunday
Monday
1
Tuesday
Wednesday
6:30 p.m.
Skill Ready Dona
Ana Event – Oñate
High School
10:30 a.m.
Skill Ready
Committee
11:30 a.m.
Small and Minority
Business Workshop
2
3
4 p.m.
Conquistadore
Executive
Committee
4
10:30 a.m.
Skill Ready
Committee
4 p.m.
Las Cruces Day in
Santa Fe Committee
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
7:30 a.m. Military
Affairs Committee,
MV Hospice
11:30 a.m.
Military Update
Luncheon
4 p.m.
Issues &
Governmental
Affairs
Committee
Greater Las Cruces
Chamber of Commerce
5
Las Cruces
6
7
Quick Facts
BUILDING PERMITS
8:30 a.m.
Junior Leadership
Las Cruces
Las Cruces Area
(All Sources)
9 a.m.
Commercial Space
Committee
Noon
Member Advisory
Committee
Permits
Valuation
2012
2013
2,158
2,162
$2,544,755 $2,429,420
%
change
0%
-4.6%
Source: City of Las Cruces - through 12/2/13
8
9
10
5:30 p.m.
Noon
Business after Hours Transportation
– La Posta
Committee
3:30 p.m.
Finance & Executive
Committee
15
16
17
Christmas Eve
22
23
11
7:30 a.m.
Education
Committee
10:30 a.m.
Skill Ready
Committee
11 a.m.
Small Business
Council
Committee
18
12
13
14
CHAMBER BY THE NUMBERS
11 a.m.
Events & Benefits
Committee
19
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.
20
21
FULFILLING THE
COMMUNITY NEED
Christmas,
Office Closed
24
New Year’s Eve
25
26
27
28
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.
19,252
73
New Year’s Day,
Office Closed
people visited the Chamber’s website
29
30
31
COMMITTEE MEETINGS
people inquired about relocation
CHAMBER EVENTS
2014 SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE GUIDE
RESERVE SPACE NOW
CALL 575-680-1979
575.524.8061 • Fax 575.526.4621 • 840 N. Telshor, Suite E, Las Cruces, NM 88011
14 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE
CHAMBER MEMBER BRIEFS
MMC earns top recognition
The Joint Commission has recognized Memorial
Medical Center as a 2013 Top Performer on Key Quality
Measures for achieving outstanding accountability measure
performance. MMC was recognized for its achievement on
the following measure sets: heart attack, heart failure and
pneumonia.
MMC was recognized by The Joint Commission for
exemplary performance in using evidence-based clinical processes that are shown to improve care for certain
conditions. MMC and each of the hospitals named as
Top Performers on Key Quality Measures must achieve
cumulative performance of 95 percent or above across
all reported accountability measures. A 95 percent score
means a hospital provided an evidence-based practice 95
times out of 100 opportunities. Each accountability measure represents an evidence-based practice – examples
include giving aspirin at arrival for heart attack patients,
giving antibiotics one hour before surgery or providing a
home management plan of care for children with asthma.
“Memorial Medical Center and all the top performer
hospitals have demonstrated an exceptional commitment
to quality improvement and they should be proud of their
achievement,” said Mark R. Chassin, M.D., FACP, M.P.P.,
M.P.H., president and chief executive officer, The Joint
Commission. “We have much to celebrate this year. Nearly
half of our accredited hospitals have attained or nearly attained the top performer distinction. This truly shows that
we are approaching a tipping point in hospital quality performance that will directly contribute to better health outcomes for patients.”
MMC is one of 1,099 hospitals in the U.S. and one
of seven in New Mexico earning the distinction of Top
Performer on Key Quality Measures for attaining and sustaining excellence in accountability measure performance.
The Joint Commission is the leading accreditor of health
care organizations in America.
Double Eagle employee receives
national sanitation certification
Malcolm McKenzie, of Double Eagle Restaurant, has
successfully completed the required coursework, passed
the Food Protection Manager Certification Examination
and recently received the ServSafe Sanitation Certification
from the National Restaurant Association Education
Foundation.
McKenzie, who works in prep, pantry and as a line cook
for the restaurant, was presented his certificate and a new
electronic insertion thermometer by Double Eagle General
Manager Jerry Harrell.
“It was a lot of work, but we have a responsibility to
our customers to make sure our product is not only of excellent quality, but also completely safe to eat,” McKenzie
said.
Harrell said many restaurants don’t even have one certified employee, adding McKenzie is now one of four
Double Eagle employees who have earned the certification.
The program is sponsored by the New Mexico Restaurant
Association in conjunction with the National Restaurant
Association Educational Foundation and is accredited by
the American National Standards/Institute-Conference for
Food Protection.
HOURS
Mon – Thu
9 a.m. – 8 p.m.
ENRICHING
MINDS
COMMUNITY SUCCESSFUL PATHWAYS TO
VALUES
PARTNERSHIPS POSSIBILITIES
Fri – Sat
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun
1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Comcast presented a $26,040 donation to the Las
Cruces Public Schools Foundation Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the
Las Cruces School Board meeting.
As part of Comcast Cares Day, the Comcast Foundation
provides grants to the local community partner organizations on behalf of each employee and family member
who volunteers on Comcast Cares Day. The grants help
Comcast’s community partners continue their mission of
serving the community throughout the year.
IT
AM ERICAN DOCUM ENT
SERVICES, LLC
Your Full Service Records Management Company
Closed Sundays in Summer
(June - August)
Hotel under construction
in Santa Teresa
Oak Tree Inn Hotel and Penny’s Diner are being constructed in the Santa Teresa Airport Park on 2.28 acres.
The total investment of this project will be approximately
$5 million. The hotel will include 56 rooms, with contingency plans for expansion, and the diner will be open 24
hours.
The business model of Oak Tree Inn and Penny’s Diner
is to be near railroad companies to offer its services. The location of the new hotel and diner reflect the growing development in Santa Teresa, due to the new Union Pacific Santa
Teresa Intermodal Yards, and the region’s logistical and
business environment advantages. The value of trade passing
through the Santa Teresa Port of Entry has risen from $1
billion per year to nearly $1.5 billion per month during the
past three years.
The hotel and diner are expected to open in the spring
of 2014.
Comcast presents
donation to LCPS
Do Business with Chamber Members!
Lifelong Learning and Literacy @ BRANIGAN LIBRARY
Comcast celebrated the 12th Comcast Cares Day on
April 27. In Las Cruces, more than 1,400 Comcast volunteers turned out to improve Doña Ana Elementary School,
setting a nation-wide record for the highest participation at
any single Comcast Cares Day volunteer site.
Since its inception, the Comcast Foundation has donated
more than $123 million to organizations in the communities
nationwide that Comcast serves.
Office Records Stored • Paper Shredding • Document Imaging • Document Destruction
Computerized Record Tracking • Fast Convenient Delivery & Pick-up • Free Consultation
• Accurate Dependable Service • Free Security Containers •
Paul R. Bridgers, CRPC®, CSNA, CFM
Global Wealth Management
Vice President
Resident Director - Financial Advisor
425 S Telshor Blvd C-101
Las Cruces, NM 88011
[email protected] • www.fa.ml.com/bridgersgroup
Tel: 575.521.5114 • 800.497.3514 • Fax: 505.349.8262
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
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ALL STARTS WITH A VISIT TO THE LIBRARY!
200 E. Picacho Ave. • 575-528-4000
575-528-4005 Reference • library.las-cruces.org
300 A N. 17th Street • 647-0060 • www.adslcnm.com
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THE BOTTOM LINE • December 2013 • 15
Nominate for the 2014 Crystal Apple Education Awards
The Crystal Apple Education Award is given annually to
Las Cruces pre-K through 12 educators in public or private
schools who have shown excellence in teaching and/or administration. The categories are (1) Principal/Administrator,
(2) Teacher, (3) Early Career Teacher (1 to 3 years in profession). Recipients of the award are nominated based on
the criteria set forth by the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of
Commerce Education Committee. The awards are given at
the Chamber’s annual banquet in January.
The following criteria are used to evaluate the nominee:
• Presents timely, relevant educational material in a stimu-
•
•
•
•
lating manner, encouraging cross disciplinary linkages
whenever possible.
Encourages student inquiry and uses appropriate technologies to enhance educational opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.
Encourages family involvement and utilizes community
resources in the education process.
Demonstrates an active and positive record of service to
students as an academic, professional, and/or personal
advisor, and a commitment to diversity.
Regularly completes professional development programs
and applies new knowledge in the classroom.
To be considered, all five criteria must be completed.
Please include a brief summary of how the nominee exemplifies the criteria. (Please limit to three pages.)
Applications will not be considered complete unless the
nominee addresses all criteria.
Please nominate only one person per category. Send the
application and summary to: Liz Banegas, 505 S. Main St.,
Suite 134, Las Cruces, NM 88001, or email liz@lascruces.
org by 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9.
SEND IN YOUR VOTE FOR
2014 Crystal Apple Education Award
Please check category box:
Principal/Administrator
Teacher
Early Career Teacher
Name of Nominee: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nominee contact information:
Phone:_____________Email: ______________________________________
Name of school: ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Grade and area of study taught, if applicable:______________________________
Years of service: ______
Any awards or certificates held by nominee: _________________________________________________________________________________________________
Nominated by: ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Relationship to Nominee: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Phone:_____________Email: ______________________________________
Deadline: 4 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 2013
Please return nominations to the Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce by fax at 527-5546 or by mail to 505 S. Main St. Suite 134, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Everything you want to
know about Las Cruces
NOW AVAILABLE
16 • December 2013 • THE BOTTOM LINE