In August, the Chamber of Commerce continues to work on a variety of projects. On August 18, the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce and Walgreen's will host the 2018 Murray Ryan Invitational Golf Tournament at the University Course at Scott Park in Silver City. It's a fun tournament that the players enjoy due to chances to win lots of prizes and the specialty events that challenge each of the golfers. Before hitting the course, they can warm up with practice balls sponsored by Edward Jones – Kevin Thompson Financial Advisor. They the golfers are ready to try to win a new vehicle sponsored by Lawley Toyota during the Hole in One Contest. There's a Hole in One Putting Contest. As in years past, someone will win the longest drive contests and the closest to the pin contests for men and women sponsored by Sisbarro Superstore. A new contest to challenge even the most experienced golfers is a longest drive contest hitting giant marshmallows, sponsored by Allstate Insurance – Allen Townsend Agency. Each golfer gets breakfast sponsored by Wagner/Cat and lunch sponsored by Farmers Insurance – Ruth Seawolf Agency. Hole sponsors include Advanced Airlines, Rebecca Dow for House, First Savings Bank, Hidalgo Medical Services, and Revel. We are still accepting teams for this four-man scramble, and there are even a few sponsorship opportunities left. We even have one team flying in from California to play the Murray Ryan Tournament. On August 18, we're going to have fun at the golf course in Silver City.

On August 22, 23, and 24, the Chamber of Commerce will host the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce Executives Association Fall Conference at the Grant County Conference Center. We will have Chamber Executives from across the state of New Mexico coming to Silver City for professional development. This conference is actually open to any association managers, particularly membership associations. Pretty much all corners of the state will be covered… Farmington, Hobbs, Angel Fire, Lovington, Gallup, Alamogordo, Las Cruces, and more will be traveling to our town. The cost is $199 per person and registration is still open.

Then we start helping get the Conference Center ready for the huge Gem and Mineral Show on Labor Day Weekend.

These are the big events. There are still the numerous daily events and meetings that we set up for at the Business and Conference Center. And we work daily to promote our region of southwest New Mexico and the members of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

We are pleased to announce another new member of the chamber and a new business in Grant County… The Jerky Store and More in Bayard. Located at 208 Central Avenue, the Jerky Store has 22 flavors of jerky. There's Carolina Reaper, Christmas, Garlic Pepper, Ghost Pepper, Green Chile, Habanero, Jalapeno, Jalapeno Lime, Lemon Pepper, Lemon Pepper with Red Chile, Lemon Pepper with Habanero, Lime Pepper, Lime Salt, Mango Habanero, Maple Bacon, Original, Pepper, Pico de Gallo, Ranch, Red Chile, Spicy Teriyaki, and Teriyaki. They even have a jerky challenge called the "Llorona Challenge!" Eat two 1 oz. bags of their hottest jerky to earn a spot on our wall of fame and a t-shirt. Come and compete to be #1 by eating more bags than the last challenger! It's a good thing they are close to some medical facilities. You have to actually fill out paperwork before trying the challenge. The Jerky and More Store is permitted by the State of New Mexico. They make their jerky is a commercial kitchen on-site. This is primarily a family owned and operated business. The Jerky Store and More is open from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday. On Tuesday thru Friday mornings you can even buy Daylight Donuts at The Jerky & More Store. To find out more about The Jerky & More Store in Bayard, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/GBoyzBeefJerky/ By the way, I will admit I have made three purchases since they opened, and my favorite is the Maple Bacon. Give them a call at 575-912-3186 if you have questions.

The Chamber of Commerce works hard for our Chamber Members. Let us work hard for your business. Give us a call at 575-538-3785 to become a member of the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce.