Nomination forms for each award category were sent to judges outside of Grant County over the weekend. Today, the winning nominations have been announced.

2017 Grant County Citizen of the Year:
BRUCE ASHBURN

Bruce Ashburn first arrived in Grant County in 1995. During his time in Grant County, Bruce has:
• become an active member of the Big Brothers/Big Sisters board of directors
• has served as a coach and sponsor in Silver City Little League programs
• helped with the local Youth Football program
• worked with Silver City MainStreet on storefront design
• serves on the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce
• opened and operated the Domino’s Pizza franchise
• worked at Silver City Bowling Center
• worked for the Small Business Development Center in Silver City
• received a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Operations Management & Supervision from Western New Mexico University
• Bruce joined PNM in 2014
• Past president (current member) of Grant County Prospectors
• Current Board Member of El Refugio Domestic Violence Shelter
• Member of the Freeport-McMoRan Community Investment Committee
• Past board member of the Mimbres Region Arts Council

Kevin Cook stated “Bruce has always been a person who places community first.” Silver City Mayor, Ken Ladner stated, “Bruce was instrumental in securing a grant to enable the Silco Theater renovation project to be successful.” Priscilla Lucero of the Southwest New Mexico Council of Governments wrote, “Most importantly his giving, caring, and dedication is what makes him an outstanding individual.” New Mexico State Representative Rebecca Dow says “His ability to juggle family, work and charitable efforts with success makes Bruce a perfect recipient of the Grant County Citizen of the Year.” Judy S. O’Loughlin summed up the nomination with “Bruce has his heart in this community and it shows every day with his positive outlook, smiling face, interested perspective and business mind.”

2017 Linda K. Jones Humanitarian of the Year:
Mrs. Donnie Forman

The Mimbres Valley area of Grant County is such a desirable place to live in part due to long-time resident, Mrs. Donnie Rook Forman. At 87 years young, Mrs. Forman has truly touched so many people throughout Grant County with her philanthropic work to make this a great place to live.

As fires have raged in the area, Donnie has made meals for firefighters. She shares her skill and love of cooking every month for the Kiwanis Student of the Month banquet. Donnie holds community yard sales in the Mimbres to be used to help people in the area. She helps distribute food to families in need and works closely with schools in the valley to make certain area children have what they need. Donnie has stepped up time and time again to help families during when deaths have occurred. Donnie doesn’t just help people, she is also very generous to help animals in need. As one nominee stated, “I don’t know how many more years this lovely woman will be with us, but I feel we are all so blessed by Donnie’s unselfish loyalty to helping others.” Donnie has raised money, provided food, provided temporary lodging, found housing, helped find jobs and she has shared her loving support to those in need.

2017 Grant County Volunteer of the Year

Mario C. Quintana
Mr. Mario Quintana volunteers with many organizations such as Senior Olympics (local, state and national), Youth Softball and Basketball Sports Programs as a coach and manager and even officiating when needed, he volunteers every year to help with the annual Christmas dinner service. Mario has been a coach and mentor to Grant County Youth for many years. He breaks barriers to unite and bring communities together, for the better health and social interactions in our rural community. Mr. Quintana states that his greatest contribution is to keep Grant County residents active and moving. He is tireless, encouraging and actively involved with the youth and seniors of our community.

2017 Grant County Small Business of the Year:

Silver City Radio – SkyWest Media

Silver City Radio includes KNFT-FM, KNFT-AM, and KSCQ-FM which covers southwest New Mexico. The mission of the company is to help their clients transform vision into action, helping create brand engagement and market positioning for a sustainable competitive future.

Silver City Radio / SkyWest Media consists of a five-person team of individuals. Silver City Radio was honored on the state level by New Mexico Broadcaster Association for their digital Social Media Integration of broadcast and digital marketing for the Tour of the Gila. Silver City Radio was also awarded special recognition as Small Market Radio Station of the Year for Public Service Announcements.

Silver City Radio/SkyWest Media works with many organizations through-out southwest New Mexico. Its staff is actively involved with local organizations such as Kiwanis, Georgetown Chapter Order of the Eastern Star, Silver City MainStreet and the Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce.

Silver City Radio is located at 1560 Corbin Street in Silver City, New Mexico.

2017 Grant County Large Business of the Year:

Amplified Therapy Inc.

Amplified Therapy is a family-owned healthcare provider organization focused on providing therapy services in rural New Mexico and Arizona. Started in July of 2013 in Cliff, New Mexico, the company has grown to provide services in Grant, Hidalgo, Luna and Catron counties. Recent expansion has required Amplified Therapy Inc. to open four office locations: 2 in Grant County, 1 office in Luna County and 1 office in Hidalgo County. Since 2013, Amplified Therapy Inc. has grown from a single employee to 54 employees/independent contractors at present time.

Amplified Therapy Inc.’s working environment is modeled after the following values: Respect, Integrity, Empathy, and Excellence. The company’s ownership retains active membership in industry organizations, and participates in a variety of civic industry and professional organizations.

Amplified Therapy Inc.’s mission is to provide superior pediatric healthcare services by employing qualified staff who are committed to Amplified Therapy Inc.’s values, creating a positive work environment, fostering community relationships, and adhering to best business practices.

The owner contacts for Amplified Therapy Inc. include: Autumn Bruton, Beau Bradberry, Shalako Bradberry, and Edwin Bradberry.

Amplified Therapy Inc. is located at 1609 North Swan Street In Silver City or 64 Box Canyon Road in Cliff, New Mexico.

PNM Awards 10 Silver City and Bayard Area Businesses for their energy saving projects.

PNM “ENERGY STARS”

• Department of Military Affairs 63rd Regional Support Command – large business category with the highest energy savings
• Copper Manor Motel – large business honorable mention with highest energy savings
• Dollar Tree Stores – large business honorable mention with highest energy savings
• Snappy Mart – medium business category with the highest energy savings
• McDonald’s – medium business honorable mention with highest energy savings
• Comfort Inn – medium business honorable mention with highest energy savings
• Grant County – government category with the highest energy savings
• Southwest Council of Governments – government honorable mention with highest energy savings
• City of Bayard – government category honorable mention with highest energy savings
• Town of Hurley – most innovative category with the highest energy savings